SMU Women Win At Memphis

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (SMU) – Four Mustangs scored in double-figures as SMU won its regular season finale at Memphis, 60-53, on Monday evening at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.

SMU (7-22, 3-15 The American) and Memphis (13-16, 7-11) will meet again on Friday in the first round of the American Athletic Conference Championship.

The Mustangs used a 17-4 run late in the second half to pull away from the Tigers. The run started with two free throws from junior Gabrielle Wilkins at the 9:06 mark, and over the next 4:31, SMU would would build a 10-point lead. Memphis pulled back within five points on two occasions, but could get no closer as SMU held on for the victory.

Prior to SMU’s late run, neither team had led by more the five points. The score was tied 10 separate times and for a total of 10:51.

SMU won the battle in the paint, outscoring Memphis 26-14. Freshman forward Alicia Froling led with 13 points and junior forward Destynee Hives-McCray added 11 points. SMU also forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 19 points. Froling led SMU with four steals, while Wilkins and Hives-McCray each had two.

Sophomore guard Morgan Bolton also had 13 points, including two three-pointers, as well as five assists. Wilkins finished with 11 points, while senior Raven Short had seven rebounds, her second-highest total this season. Freshman Taylor Brame made her first collegiate start and played nine minutes.

Tenth-seeded SMU and seventh-seeded Memphis will play at 5 p.m. CT/6 p.m. ET in the first round of the American Athletic Conference Championships in Uncasville, Conn. on Friday. The game will be televised on ESPN3. The winner of the matchup will play No. 2 seed USF in the second round at 5 p.m. CT/6 p.m. ET on Saturday.