Mustangs clash with Wake Forest, fueled by record-breaking Zahra King and a stingy defense aiming for a crucial ACC victory at Moody Coliseum.
DALLAS - The energy is building in Dallas as the SMU Mustangs prepare to defend their home court this Thursday night. It’s a milestone season for the program, marking 50 years of women’s basketball, and the next chapter unfolds at Moody Coliseum against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
With both teams hungry to climb the ACC standings, this February 5th matchup promises plenty of fireworks on the hardwood.
If you haven't been watching Zahra King, you’re missing out on one of the most electric performances in the conference.
The Brooklyn native recently etched her name into the school record books with a jaw-dropping 40-point performance against Pitt. She currently leads the Mustangs with 14.9 points per game and ranks in the top 10 of the ACC for field goal percentage among guards, shooting a blistering 47.7 percent.
When King finds her rhythm - especially from beyond the arc - she is nearly impossible to contain. Her ability to facilitate the offense while remaining a constant scoring threat is the engine that drives this SMU squad.
Under the leadership of head coach Adia Barnes, this team has undergone a massive transformation.
With 15 new players on the roster, the Mustangs are leaning on a blend of veteran experience and defensive grit. SMU has become a nightmare for opposing ball-handlers, ranking third in the ACC with 10.7 steals per game.
Supporting King’s offensive output is Anaya Brown, who has been a force in the paint.
Brown has been a walking double-double lately, narrowly missing the mark in three straight games while averaging 10.6 points and 6.0 rebounds during conference play. Along with Paulina Paris, who recently dropped a season-high 20 points, the Mustangs have multiple weapons capable of taking over a game.
Thursday isn't just about basketball; it’s a celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT. Whether you're watching on ACCNX or cheering from the stands at Moody, this is a pivotal moment for a team looking to prove they belong among the ACC elite.