The SMU Mustangs faced off against Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders in Moody Coliseum on Nov. 6. The Mustangs were expected to win by 23 points going into the game.

SMU had a slow start, missing shots early in the game. Aside from the first basket by senior forward Corey Washington, the Mustangs didn’t regain the lead until four minutes remained in the first half.

The Islanders were held scoreless for the final seven minutes of the first half until junior guard Daniel Michelini-Jackson hit a 3-pointer just before the buzzer.

The second half of the game told a different story. The Mustangs controlled the lead for the entirety of the game. The Islanders would come back on the Mustangs around the six-minute mark, bringing the score to 50-48, and Head Coach Andy Enfield knew to call a timeout and give his team a moment to get their heads together.

Soon after the Mustangs came back onto the court from the timeout, things started to change. Senior and star point guard, Boopie Miller, started to take charge. Scoring layups and free throws, grabbing rebounds and assisting his teammates on multiple shots.

With help from teammates Washington and Jaron Pierre Jr., the Mustangs put together a strong lead, breaking away from the Islanders and getting the win 69-58.

Key players in Thursday night’s game included freshman center Samet Yiğitoğlu, who finished the night off with his first of most likely many double-doubles of the season (12 points and 10 rebounds).

Miller led the team on both ends of the court, finishing the game with 14 points and 6 assists. He showed mental strength and discipline by playing for over 30 minutes of the game and not recording a single turnover.

The Mustangs’ next home game is on Nov. 11 against Murray State, where they will attempt to extend their win streak against the Racers.