While most SMU students were at home enjoying family time and eating too much food, the SMU Men’s Basketball team was going to work. The Mustangs played three home games in Moody, four road games and started their conference match-ups.
Michigan (W 62-51) – The SMU community was focused on two letters leading up to the SMU-Michigan match-up: M and K. Markus Kennedy returned to the court after becoming academically eligible once again and while he didn’t contribute outstandingly in numbers, his return gave the Mustangs incredible energy. Yanick Moreira scored his second highest number of points this season with 19, followed by Nic Moore’s 17 points.
Midwestern State (W 70-61) – The Mustangs finished non-conference play with a win over MSU that extended their winning streak to seven games. Nic Moore led the team in points with 23 and Ben Moore led in rebounds with 13 as well as 10 points. The MSU Mustangs kept the game very close until SMU hit six of eight free throws in the final minute.
USF (W 83-49) – SMU opened up AAC play in Moody against the 6-7 South Florida Bulls. The Mustangs took a quick seven to nothing lead in the first two minutes and went into half time dominating 49-15. Sophomores Ben Moore and Keith Frazier led the team in shooting with 15 and 14 points.
Cincinnati (L 56-50) – The Mustangs dropped their first game against the Bearcats after an eight game winning streak. Though the team couldn’t secure the win, this game was a breakout performance for senior Houston native Ryan Manuel who scored a team high 14 points, hitting seven of eight shots and effectively securing his starting position for the Mustangs.
Memphis (W 73-59) – The SMU victory over Memphis highlighted the return of senior center Markus Kennedy. Kennedy scored 21 points and led the team by shooting 10 of 13. The Mustangs shot 27 of 52 for 51.9 percent lifting their AAC record to 2-1.
UCF (W 70-61) – Nic Moore and company won another conference road game against UCF after leading throughout the game, going into the locker room at half time leading 30-26. While most Dallas sports fans were watching the Cowboys, Nic Moore was draining threes, going five for nine from behind the arc.
Temple (W 60-55) – SMU made a glorious comeback after trailing the Owls by 13 points early in the second half, which ties the Mustang’s biggest comeback ever under Head Coach Larry Brown. SMU was shooting at 47.8 percent, led by Markus Kennedy who had 21 points. The Mustangs move to 13-4 and 4-1 in the AAC, which is the best conference start for them since 2001-02.
The Mustangs return to Moody on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. against the AAC 10th ranked East Carolina Pirates.
