DALLAS (SMU) - The Mustangs used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from CSU Bakersfield down the stretch on their way to a 41-29 victory on Sunday afternoon in Moody Coliseum. SMU didn't allow the Roadrunners to score over the final 7:23 of the contest and gave up just three fourth quarter points in total.

"We knew this was a dangerous team because of how they play," head coach Travis Mays said. "We were trying to take away the 3-point shot and make them drive into the teeth of our defense. We gave up too many offensive rebounds, but I'll take it."

Freshman Ariana Whitfield led the way for SMU offensively, scoring a team-high 10 points while also grabbing six rebounds. She finished a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. 

As a team, the charity stripe was the big difference in the game. Both teams struggled from the field, but SMU was able to make up for it some by getting to the line and knocking down the free ones. The Mustangs finished 15-for-21 (71 percent) at the line while the Roadrunners only knocked down five free throws. 

"(Free throws) were the difference," Mays said. "The separation was created by us making shots at the foul line. Klara (Bradshaw) was a huge part of that."

Senior Klara Bradshaw posted a career-high 11 rebounds while also finishing 5-for-6 from the free-throw line. 

The Mustang defense held Bakersfield to its lowest point total of the season and just 10 made field goals. The Roadrunners managed to shoot just 19 percent from the field. SMU was able to get separation late by forcing Bakersfield into a 7:23 scoring drought, including 0-for-11 shooting, to end the game. 

The Mustangs have two weeks off before traveling to Alabama on December 17 for a 2 p.m. tip.