SMU’s Katy Cobb dribbles past an opponent from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The Mustangs took on the Islanders yesterday in Corpus Christi. (Stuart Palley)
The SMU women’s basketball team came away with a win on its first road game of the season against the Islanders of Texas A&M Corpus Christi with a final score of 74-70.
The Mustangs started out the game letting the Islanders take quick lead, but it did not last for more than a few minutes.
“Corpus Christi came out fearless with a young team, and they played well,” explained head coach Rhonda Rompola. “They hit some unbelievable shots, and they played without fear.”
TAMU Corpus Christi temporarily gained a two point lead minutes into the game, but SMU quickly took it away from them.
The Mustangs went into the locker room with a 10-point lead at the half, banking 100 percent of their free throws, 66.7 of their three-point shots, and averaging 41.9 percent of their field goals.
The Islanders did not fair as well, having no trips to the line, and were only 11-36 in field goals, and 2-11 in three-pointers.
Leading 34-24 at the half, the Mustangs continued to pour the pressure onto the Islanders in the second half, increasing their run to a 17-point lead four minutes into play.
In the second half, however, the Islanders sprang to life, hitting 45.2 percent of their field goals, but only 16.7 percent of their three-pointers. The Islanders also improved to 60 percent from the line. It just was not enough to overcome the Mustangs though.
“They made a lot of very tough shots, and there wasn’t much else we could do but foul them on a couple of shots,” said Rompola.
SMU’s defense became a key component in the second half battle, as they tried to control the Islanders’ offensive surge. Eventually turning the game into a battle on the line, sophomore forward Delisha Wills and senior post Janielle Dodds helped the team reach a victory after sharing the 15 out of 16 free throws throughout the game.
“We’re reliant on Delisha Wills, and I’m hoping she’ll take some pressure off of Janielle,” said Rompola. “I’m hoping with Delisha taking some pressure off Janielle she won’t see as many double or triple teams against her because it’s really starting to hurt her game.”
Wills recorded a career-high game, scoring 23 points for the Mustangs. Dodds followed behind with 14. TAMU Corpus Christi Deziree Green had a team high of 20 points, and star returnee Elisa Beagle had 15.
“At halftime, we talked about flattening their guards and not allowing them to turn the corner. When you’re banking three’s like they were though, it’s your night,” said Rompola.
SMU finished the game averaging 60 percent from the line, a 41.5 percent accuracy in field goals and 33.3 percent in three-pointers.
The Mustangs improve to 1-1 in regular season play, while Corpus Christi falls to 0-2. “This team was very athletic and scrappy, and sometimes they have no limits when they’re that athletic. We’re lucky to take the victory tonight,” said Rompola.
The Mustangs will host the TCU Horned Frogs at home Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. in Moody Coliseum.
