The SMU Mustangs continue to occupy the top spot in Conference USA polls following a 61-49 win over Tulane Thursday night in Moody Coliseum.
Freshman Christina Elliott tied the SMU record of 21 rebounds in a game, leading to her third career double double with 16 points and 21 boards. Elliott’s total was also the second highest rebound count in a Conference USA game.
“In the past if she misses shots she gets too mad she gives up,” explained head coach Rhonda Rompola. “Tonight there was no time to get mad. She just went after it.”
Sophomore forward Haley Day spotlighted in the Mustang’s win, posting seven of SMU’s first nine points in the opening five minutes of play to give the Mustangs an early and commanding lead. Day went on to post nine points and six rebounds in the first half.
Elliott also came out strong in the first half for SMU, coming out with six points and 11 boards.
“We’ve been waiting for this game from Haley,” said Rompola. “Today she got herself involved. I’m hoping she doesn’t forget what she did today, so she can repeat it Saturday.”
While pulling down 24 rebounds in the first half, the Mustangs managed to generate just six points off turnovers and four points from the bench. Missing junior forward Delisha Wills with an undisclosed injury, Day and Elliott both started for the Mustangs. Information regarding Wills’ injury and a return time status have not been named.
The Mustangs ran into a five-minute scoreless streak in the final minutes of the first half, allowing Tulane to come within just points of the Mustangs before a field goal by junior post Alice Severin at the two minute mark pulled the Mustangs back ahead.
The Green Wave tied the game for the first time with 27 seconds remaining in the opening half when Chassity Brown stole the ball from junior guard Jillian Samuels to put the game at 25-25 at the buzzer.
Tulane gained their first lead of the game just two minutes into the second half, when the Green Wave hit a layup to put the team up 31-30. Battling back and forth to regain the lead, the Mustangs had a temporary lead at 15:30, but gave it up when Tulane tied the game again with another layup.
Elliott’s career high came with a pair of successful free throws in the 13th minute, putting the Mustangs back on top, 43-39 for the remainder of the game.
“When [Elliott] faces up against a post players and makes that quick move most post players can’t stay with her,” said Rompola. “She’s capable of playing every game like she did tonight. With Delisha out we have to rely on her a lot more.”
Day shortly followed, setting a new career high in points and rebound count with 20 points and 14 boards on the night. Day’s previous season record of 13 points and 10 rebounds came in SMU’s victory over Tulane back in January. Thursday’s performance marked Day’s second double double of the season when she collected a rebound with 10:50 remaining.
Hopefully I can build on this game,” said Day. “On nights that [Samuels, Brittany Gilliam and Wills] don’t hit, I feel like I’m the next one that needs to step up.”
Thursday’s win was the first time this season two Mustangs have had double doubles in one game.
SMU leading scorer, junior forward Brittany Gilliam struggled against Tulane, reaching four fouls with ten minutes still remaining in the game. Returning in the final two minutes of play, Gilliam finished the game with just five points and one rebound.
With their second consecutive conference win, SMU is in a three-way tie with Southern Miss and the University of Texas at El Paso. If SMU can defeat UTEP on Saturday and Southern Miss loses to Memphis, and if Houston and the University of Central Florida (given one more win) lose their last games, the Mustangs will be in sole possession of the No.1 spot, earning them a first-round conference tournament bye.
The Mustangs will play their final game of the regular season this Saturday against one of two other teams tied for first place in conference polls when they host UTEP (17-10,10-4) at 2 p.m. in Moody Coliseum.
The team will travel to New Orleans for the Conference USA Tournament, starting on Thursday, March 5.
