SMU guard Alisha Filmore had six points, three assists, and three rebounds against Utah Friday evening at Moody Coliseum. SMU lost the game 44-43. SMU’s next game is against cross-town rival, TCU, on Saturday in Fort Worth. The game starts at 6 (SMC File Photo)
The women’s basketball team was dealt their first loss of the season Friday night in Moody Coliseum courtesy of the University of Utah Utes.
The game was a back and forth matchup that displayed two offenses that struggled to score points, especially in the first half. At halftime, the score was deadlocked at 19 apiece and both teams had trouble shooting the basketball.
With seconds remaining and a one point lead, the Mustangs only had to quell one more offensive attack by Utah in order to earn their first victory of the season.
After Utah’s first shot attempt was missed, the Ponies were unable to grab the defensive rebound and Utah was given one more chance. As time dwindled down to only three seconds on the clock, Janita Badon hit a jumper to propel Utah to the 44-43 lead and victory.
SMU had their chances to put the game away but could only shoot a dismal 11 out of 41 from the field. Utah managed to take 56 shots against the Mustangs but SMU kept themselves in the game by only allowing Utah to hit 18.
The front court for Utah proved to be too much for SMU to handle. Utah out rebounded the Mustangs 42-29, which gave the Utes’ shooters many second and third chances to score throughout the game. The dominance in the paint by Utah was led by the tandem of Taryn Wicijowski and Michelle Plouffe. Wicijowski pulled down ten boards for the Utes and Plouffe led the team with 11 rebounds.
“We did not play sharp basketball today” said a frustrated SMU coach Rhonda Rompola after the loss.
The hero of the game for Utah was Badon who had a night worth remembering. She not only hit the last second jump shot to seal the victory for her team but led all scorers with 15 points.
SMU’s Delisha Wills was second in scoring with 13. Most of Wills points were hard fought and earned down underneath the basket in the paint. Despite the loss, Wills’ 13 points managed to boost her over the one thousand point career mark, a feat that only 17 Mustangs have accomplished before her.
SMU’s ability to bounce back from a loss will be put to the test in a tough way this Wednesday in Fort Worth.
The Mustangs take on the TCU Horned Frogs who are currently ranked number 23 in the nation. SMU will have to come to play, especially defensively, if they hope to beat their cross-town rival.
