Zahra King ignites SMU's offense, aiming for crucial home win against Miami. Mustangs rely on defense and scoring depth to seize momentum.
The SMU women’s basketball team returns to Moody Coliseum on Thursday afternoon with a chance to build momentum and turn promise into progress as it hosts Miami in an important ACC matchup.
While the records may suggest a midseason grind, the story in Dallas is about growth, resilience, and a team that is far more dangerous than its conference mark indicates.
For the Mustangs, the engine of that belief is Zahra King.
The Brooklyn native has emerged as one of the most productive guards in the ACC, averaging 14.6 points per game overall and an even stronger 17.4 points in league play.
She’s been remarkably efficient, shooting 48.4 percent from the field - the best mark among ACC guards - and has already delivered multiple 20-point performances against conference competition.
Her historic 40-point outing at Pitt earlier this season remains one of the defining performances of SMU’s year.
King isn’t carrying the load alone.
Tyi Skinner (13.6 ppg) provides consistent scoring on the wing, while Paulina Paris (10.3 ppg overall, 10.7 in ACC play) has become a reliable offensive option who can stretch defenses.
Anaya Brown’s recent surge has also been critical, as she’s posted back-to-back 20-point games while battling through a physically demanding stretch of the schedule.
This balance gives SMU flexibility offensively, especially when games slow down in the half-court.
Defensively, SMU’s identity is clear. The Mustangs rank among the ACC leaders in steals (11.0 per game) and blocks (4.6 per game), forcing nearly 18 turnovers per contest.
Kyla Deck, when available, has been a defensive game-changer, averaging 3.7 steals per game and ranking among the conference leaders in total takeaways. That defensive intensity has fueled transition scoring and helped SMU stay competitive even in losses.
Miami enters the game with a 3-5 ACC record and solid road experience, making this a true measuring stick game. For the Hurricanes, ball security and rebounding will be key against SMU’s aggressive defensive approach.
For SMU, the challenge is consistency and sustaining energy for 40 minutes, while converting defensive stops into efficient offense.
With weather concerns surrounding travel and attendance, the Mustangs are still hoping to generate “Moody Magic” and protect home court.
A strong showing against the Hurricanes could mark a turning point in SMU’s ACC season, reinforcing that this group is building toward something bigger than the standings currently show.