The SMU Men’s basketball team defeated the University of Arkansas- Pine Bluff Tuesday night after losing the first game of the Dick’s Sporting Goods NIT Pre-Season Tournament Consolation Round to ORU.

Senior captain Robert Nyakundi was the leading scorer with a season-high 27 points to help the Mustangs bring home a 64-55 victory.

Nyakundi started the game off on a strong foot with an early 3-point shot after the first whistle blew. Jalen Jones was on the same page as Nyakundi when he dunked on the Ark.-Pine Bluff Golden Lions to take the lead less than a minute after Nyakundi’s game starting shot.

SMU controlled the ball game for the majority of the first half until the Lions took the lead with a little over eight minutes left on the clock. However, the Golden Lions’ glory didn’t last long. A series of fouls on UAPB resulted in their loss of the lead after Nyakundi and Jones had success at the free throw line.

The Mustang line up broke for the half ahead of the Lions 32-28.

For the second half, UAPB came out revamped and held SMU to a 35-35 score for over three minutes.

London Giles was able to once again push the Mustangs ahead of their opponent with a layup.

From then on the Mustangs completely took over the ball game by holding tight onto the lead for the remainder of the final half and to seal the win.

Giles finished the game with 12 points while sophomore point guard Jeremiah Samarippas added 10 points to the board.

Savalace Townsend was the Golden Lions leading scorer with 22 points during the game. Townsend shot 10 for 21 from the field and 2 for 3 from the free throw line.

Overall SMU went 23 for 29 at the free throw line, led by Nyakundi who was 7 for 9. The Golden Lions were just 5 for 11 for free throws.The Mustangs finished with 10 points in the paint and a 35 percent 3-point field goal percentage.

The Mustangs battle against Georgia Southern at Moody Coliseum Sunday at 2 p.m.