Suffering through what could only be described as a “Memphis hangover”, the SMU men’s basketball team played a strong second half to defeat Cal State Bakersfield 73-56 on Saturday. The Mustangs (7-14, 1-7) broke a five game losing streak and look to build off the win as they return to conference play.
“It’s good to win,” said head coach Matt Doherty. “These guys deserve to win. They’ve been working hard and we’ve gotten better.”
SMU looked unenthusiastic and unfocused during the first part of the game. With 11 minutes remaining in the first half, the Mustangs trailed the Roadrunners by a score of 15-11. SMU then went on a 20-9 run to close the half with a 31-24 lead, which they would keep for the remainder of the game.
“We are not machines,” said Doherty, referring to the emotional hangover from the Memphis game. “Even though we lost to Memphis, a lot of people were patting us on the back. I told the team we had to put that game in the past and get ready for Bakersfield.”
The Mustangs came out much stronger in the second half. After committing seven turnovers in the first half (six in the first nine minutes), SMU showed much better ball control and teamwork in the second half, only committing three turnovers and earning 10 assists. SMU out-rebounded Bakersfield by 38-26, and held the Roadrunners to only two offensive boards in the second half.
SMU had four players in double-figures, with Paul McCoy leading the team with 19 points. Robert Nyakundi put forth a solid effort as well with 14 points and six rebounds, five of which were on the offensive end.
“When I get in a rhythm, I feel like everything I put up is going to go in,” said Nyakundi. “Coach has confidence in me and my teammates have good confidence in me.”
Trent Blakely led all scorers with 21 points for Bakersfield, including 5-of-10 from 3-point range.
After starting against Memphis on Wednesday, Frank Otis was suspended for the game on Saturday for breaking team rules.
“Frank has a problem with showing up to places on time,” said Doherty when asked about Otis’s absence. “We talk about core values of respect, trust and commitment, and you’ve got to respect those rules of being on time… He was suspended for the day.”
SMU’s next game is against the University of Houston on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Moody Coliseum.
