SMU’s point guard Keena Mays (23) going for a lay up against ULM (SMU Athletic Department)
The SMU Lady Mustangs (14-4 Overall, 5-0 in C-USA) took care of business against Conference USA rival Tulsa (7-12 Overall, 2-4 in C-USA), defeating the Hurricanes 71-46 Sunday night to push their winning streak to six.
SMU broke the game open with a 25-4 run early in the second half after leading by only eight points in the first half. The Hurricanes could not stop the bleeding and the Mustangs scored 44 points in the last 20 minutes. SMU’s balanced defense smothered every attempt at a rally by Tulsa.
The Hurricanes shot a dismal 25 percent on all field goals for the game and were unable to sink a single shot from three-point range. The Lady Mustangs, on the other hand, shot over 56 percent.
SMU’s offensive attack was led by guard Keena Mays’ 12 points, three assists and five rebounds. Mays has been nothing short of dominant during the Lady Mustangs’ six-game unbeaten run, averaging more than 17 points per contest, including five double-digit scoring efforts.
Rebounding was also a major factor in the decided victory, as the Lady Mustangs pulled down 10 more rebounds (47-37) than Tulsa. SMU forward Akil Simpson controlled the glass with seven boards and 11 points.
The Lady Mustangs now sit atop Conference USA with the only undefeated conference record, but will have a strong test from their next opponent, the Houston Cougars (9-9 Overall, 3-2 in C-USA).
Houston enters the game sixth in the Conference, but has begun putting the pieces together for a run near the end of the regular season. The Lady Cougars have won four of their last six, but lost their last game on Sunday 65-54 to UTEP, after allowing a big second half from the Miners.
SMU will need to be weary of senior guard Porsche Landry, who has averaged more than 17 points this season to go along with four assists and four rebounds per game.
The Mustang defense will also have to face the reigning C-USA freshman of the week, Marche’ Amersom. The forward is averaging 13 points and seven rebounds over her last two games, but Mays and company should be able to provide the perfect response.
This key contest will take place Thursday night in Moody Coliseum at 7 p.m., where SMU will be able to distance themselves further from the rest of the conference as the postseason approaches.
