In a thrilling display of athleticism and skill, the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs secured a commanding 85-61 victory against the Stanford Cardinal on Saturday night. Leading the charge was Samet Yigitoglu, who scored an impressive 17 points, while Boopie Miller matched a season high with 10 assists, showing his prowess as a playmaker.
The performance featured not only impressive scoring but also an exhilarating display of agility with a total of seven dunks. These high-flying moments, including back-to-back slams by Yigitoglu and Kario Oquendo, electrified fans and set the pace for the Mustangs' triumph.
- Yigitoglu and Oquendo were pivotal, each contributing 16 points.
- Matt Cross was not far behind, making a significant impact with three 3-pointers among his 16 points.
- Chuck Harris added 14 points, highlighted by four successful 3-pointers.
The Mustangs' offensive operation was highly efficient, as they shot 53% from the field and made 12 of 24 shots from beyond the arc. This offensive dynamism fueled a solid 45-25 lead at halftime, leaving Stanford struggling to recover.
The Cardinal, despite their efforts, couldn't answer back comprehensively. Oziyah Sellers led Stanford with 19 points, while Maxime Raynaud contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds. However, their efforts were insufficient to turn the tide against SMU's efficient attack. Raynaud's performance was noteworthy, but the overall shooting struggles of Stanford, hitting just 4 of 20 from the field in the first half apart from Raynaud, highlighted the challenge they faced.
SMU's victory continued their strong run, marking six wins in seven games and solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with an 8-3 record. Meanwhile, Stanford experienced an end to their four-game winning streak, holding a 7-4 record in the season.
Looking forward, the Cardinal aim to regroup and prepare for their upcoming game against Wake Forest. Meanwhile, SMU will be facing Virginia Tech, both teams eager to improve their standings in their respective leagues.
The match not only showcased SMU's prowess on the court but also underscored the importance of high-efficiency shooting and exciting plays in securing victories. With the season progressing, the Mustangs are a team to watch as they capitalize on their current momentum.
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