By Evelyn Dole
While most SMU students were catching flights home as soon as they handed in their last exam, SMU Women’s Basketball continued practicing in preparation for the Puerto Rico Classic in addition to a string of both conference and non-conference games.
In the first game of the Puerto Rico Classic, the Mustangs defeated the Arizona Wildcats 58-46. Sophomore guard McKenzie Adams led the Mustangs in points scored with 18 total points. In addition to Adams’ effort, junior guard Morgan Bolton posted a season high of 11 points and sophomore forward Stephanie Collins recorded 10 points.
The following day, the Mustangs edged Gardner Webb by a score of 69-61. Collins led the Mustang’s in both points and rebounds, scoring 14 points and nine rebounds. Adams and sophomore forward Alicia Froling each contributed 11 points. SMU’s victory over Gardner Webb placed them against the ninth-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs in the championship game.
Despite a strong effort by SMU in the second half, the team fell to the Mississippi State 72-70 in the Championship. SMU started the game slow, as Mississippi State outscored the Mustangs 31-21 in the first quarter. However, SMU showed its resiliency as the narrowed the Bulldogs’ lead to seven, and entered halftime down 46-39. In the second half, the Mustangs outscored the Bulldogs 31-26, falling just short at the final whistle. Adams led both teams with 21 points and added nine rebounds, and senior guard Gabrielle Wilkens added 14 points and five rebounds.
Following the Puerto Rico Classic, SMU Women’s Basketball opened its first game of 2016 against Tulsa, and its first conference game Jan. 2. The Mustangs fought hard, but ultimately lost 54-56, making SMU 0-1 in conference play. Adams and Froling led the Mustangs in points with 11 each.
In its next game, SMU captured a comeback victory against Temple in Moody Coliseum Jan. 5. Wilkins led the Mustang’s to victory with 18 points and 10 rebounds, marking her third career double-double. With five seconds left in the game, and the scored tied at 67-67, Wilkins drew a foul and made both of her free throws, solidifying the Mustangs’ first conference win, improving their overall record to 6-7 and conference record to 1-1.
On Jan. 7, the Mustangs lost to the USF Bulls 83-56 in Tampa. Although Wilkins recorded her second consecutive double-double and Adams racked up 20 points, the team could not hold off the No. 22 USF ladies.
