SMU Men Roll Past Hardin-Simmons in Opener 110-69
Nov 20 | Men's Basketball
SMU dominated on both ends of the court in opening its 1999-2000 season with a bang, a 110-69 triumph over Hardin-Simmons at Moody Coliseum on Saturday night.
The Mustangs shot 51 percent from the field, forced 25 turnovers and controlled the glass (55-33 rebounding advantage) en route to the victory.
SMU improved to 46-4 all-time when scoring 100 points. The Mustangs reached the century mark for the first time since a 108-77 decision over Hardin-Simmons last season.
Six SMU players scored in double figures, led by junior swingman Willie Davis (23), sophomore G Damon Hancock (20) and junior G Jeryl Sasser (17). Sophomore F DeWayne Floyd added 15 points, freshman G Quinton Ross 13 and senior G Stephen Woods 10. Davis made 10 of 14 shots from the floor, Floyd was seven of eight and Hancock was seven of 10.
The Mustangs, who improved to 20-3 in their last 23 non-conference home games dating back to the 1995-96 season, are 49-35 overall in season-openers (34-13 at home).
SMU led just 26-17 with 9:55 to go in the first half, but the lead grew to 44-24 on the strength of an 18-7 run over the next four minutes. Davis had three dunks during the spurt.
The Mustangs had a 56-32 advantage at the half and led by as many as 47 points in the second half.
Kevin Breaux had a team-high 16 points and six boards for Hardin-Simmons (0-1).
Sasser had 13 rebounds and Davis 11 for the Mustangs, marking the 20th and eighth "double-double" performances of their careers, respectively.
The Mustangs limited Hardin-Simmons to 44 percent shooting, including a 24 percent night from three-point distance (five of 21).
SMU, which has had success protecting the basketball under head coach Mike Dement, committed 12 turnovers.
SMU hosts Lamar Tuesday (Nov. 23) at 7:35 PM CT at Moody Coliseum.
