The short-handed SMU Mustangs battled No. 17 Duke, showcasing defensive tenacity and unyielding grit despite a tough loss, proving resilience in ACC play.
The SMU Mustangs faced one of the toughest environments in college basketball Sunday afternoon, falling 95–36 to the No. 17 Duke Blue Devils inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Playing with just seven available athletes due to injuries, SMU entered the matchup knowing the challenge ahead against an ACC powerhouse that hasn’t dropped a league game all season.
Despite the final score, the Mustangs continued to compete and flash the defensive intensity that has become a trademark under first-year head coach Adia Barnes.
Guard Grace Hall led SMU with nine points, while Miriam Ibezim added seven. Zahra King and Ayanna Thompson chipped in six points apiece as the Mustangs searched for offense against Duke’s relentless pressure.
The Blue Devils used their size and depth to control the game early, pulling away with a late first-quarter surge and shooting over 50 percent from the floor for the game.
Duke’s advantage on the glass allowed it to dictate tempo and limit second-chance opportunities for SMU.
Still, the Mustangs’ defensive effort stood out. SMU forced 17 turnovers and recorded 10 steals, marking the 15th time this season the team has reached double digits in that category. The Mustangs now have 252 steals on the year, placing them among the ACC’s most disruptive defensive teams.
Thompson opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer, and SMU continued to play hard until the final horn, showing resilience despite the circumstances.
SMU now turns its attention to another ranked challenge, traveling to Chapel Hill to face the No. 25 North Carolina Tar Heels on Thursday.
With adversity mounting, the Mustangs remain focused on growth, effort, and finishing the season strong in ACC play.