DALLAS — The SMU Mustangs proved their resilience in a thrilling 77-75 victory over Syracuse, marking one of the most exciting games of the season. SMU, ranked No. 41 in the NCAA NET, entered the contest with a 13-6 record, sitting T-4th in the ACC, but the game would prove to be anything but easy.
Down by 12 with just under 10 minutes left in the game (63-51), SMU mounted a stunning comeback, outscoring Syracuse 22-10 to tie the game at 73-73 with 1:29 remaining. The Mustangs, known for their explosive runs, had already gone on a 10-0 run earlier in the first half to tie the game at 23-23. In the final seconds, the game’s defining moment came when Keon Ambrose-Hylton tipped in a missed shot with just 2.9 seconds left, giving SMU the game-winning basket.
Key Moments & Stats
- Largest comeback of the season for SMU, erasing a 12-point deficit (previous largest was 9 points vs LSU on 12/14).
- Keon Ambrose-Hylton led the Mustangs with 12 points, including the decisive tip-in, and added 5 rebounds.
- Matt Cross contributed with 10 points and a season-high 5 steals, along with 8 rebounds.
- Chuck Harris scored 13 points and added 5 assists.
- Kario Oquendo was vital off the bench, scoring 16 points on 3-6 shooting from beyond the arc.
- SMU’s defense stood out with 12 steals, dominating in this category (Syracuse had only 1 steal).
In total, SMU had 6 players scoring in double figures, a testament to their depth and offensive versatility. This marks the 22nd time this season at least 4 players have scored 10+ points, and the 4th time this season 6 players have reached double digits.
The game also highlighted SMU’s ability to control the paint, outscoring Syracuse 44-26 in the key. They also capitalized on fast-break opportunities, leading 12-9 in that category.
SMU’s Stats:
- FG%: SMU 53.6%, Syracuse 48.1%
- 3FG%: SMU 36.4%, Syracuse 40.9%
- Assists: SMU 16, Syracuse 19
- Steals: SMU 12, Syracuse 1
- Points in the Paint: SMU 44, Syracuse 26
Historical Context
This victory puts SMU at 22-8 on the season, with a notable win against a Syracuse team that entered the game with a strong reputation. The Mustangs are also positioning themselves for a competitive postseason, as they currently sit 13-6 in conference play, tied for 4th in the ACC.
Coach’s Thoughts
After the game, SMU Head Coach Andy Enfield was proud of his team’s grit and determination. “We showed a lot of heart tonight. Our guys stayed focused, never gave up, and fought for every possession. Keon’s tip-in was just the cherry on top of an incredible comeback.”
SMU’s upcoming schedule features a crucial match against [Next Opponent] on [Date], as they continue to chase a top seed in the conference and a strong postseason berth.
Notable Players:
- Keon Ambrose-Hylton (12 points, game-winning tip-in)
- Matt Cross (10 points, season-high 5 steals, 8 rebounds)
- Chuck Harris (13 points, 5 assists)
- Kario Oquendo (16 points)
- Samet Yiğitoğlu (12 points, 4 steals, career-high)
SMU Individual & Team Milestones
- SMU has now recorded 22 runs of at least 10-0 this season.
- With the victory, SMU extends its strong record, sitting just behind historic seasons in wins (27 in 2013-14 & 2014-15).
Attendance: The game drew 5,804 fans to Moody Coliseum, continuing to show strong support for the team.
With this win, SMU proves that they can overcome adversity, and with a strong finish to the regular season, they’ll be a team to watch come postseason play.
#PonyUp #SMU #ForDallas #ComebackKids #NCAABasketball
