Fueled by Zahra King's record-breaking performance, the Mustangs chase ACC momentum on the road against Clemson, aiming to prove their breakthrough win was no fluke.
SMU women’s basketball is back on the road Thursday night with a chance to build on a breakthrough moment in its ACC journey.
The Mustangs travel to Littlejohn Coliseum to face Clemson, carrying renewed confidence after securing their first conference win of the season earlier this month.
That spark came in Pittsburgh, where sophomore guard Zahra King delivered one of the most memorable performances in program history. Her 40-point explosion didn’t just lift SMU to an 83-76 win over Pitt; it announced that the Mustangs have a star capable of changing games at the ACC level.
King’s scoring surge has been no fluke. She leads SMU in total points and has emerged as one of the most efficient guards in the conference, shooting better than 48 percent from the floor and over 43 percent from 3-point range.
In ACC play, she’s elevated her output even further, consistently producing against top-tier competition.
But this trip to Clemson isn’t just about one player. Head coach Adia Barnes, in her first season leading the Mustangs, has emphasized balance and depth as the foundation of her rebuild.
SMU has five players averaging near double figures, including Tyi Skinner, Kyla Deck, Paulina Paris, and Anaya Brown, who has provided a steady interior presence during a stretch impacted by injuries.
Brown, in particular, has become a key stabilizer. Her recent run of 20-point games and near double-doubles has given SMU a reliable option in the paint, something that matters against a Clemson team that defends its home court well.
Defense remains the Mustangs’ calling card. SMU ranks among the ACC’s best in steals, blocks, and turnovers forced, turning pressure into transition opportunities.
Deck has been central to that identity, ranking near the top of the ACC in steals per game. When SMU is at its best, it’s speeding opponents up and converting chaos into points.
Clemson enters the matchup with a strong home record, making this a significant test for a Mustangs squad still searching for consistency away from Dallas. SMU dropped the previous meeting between the two programs last season, but Barnes’ roster looks very different now ... older, deeper, and more battle-tested.
Tipoff is set for Thursday at 6 p.m. CT, with coverage on ACCNX .
For SMU, this isn’t just another conference game; it’s an opportunity to show that the Pitt win was a turning point and that the Mustangs’ ACC climb is only just beginning.