Dec. 30, 2005
Box Score
DALLAS (SMU) - Five Mustangs scored in double figures to guide SMU to a 96-68 win over visiting Sam Houston State Friday evening at Moody Coliseum to close out non-conference play for the season. It was SMU's second consecutive win and improves the Mustangs' record to 5-7 going into Conference USA play. Sam Houston State falls to 5-6 on the season.
The last time SMU scored 90 or more points was last season when the Mustangs defeated Mercer by the score of 99-77 on Nov. 26, 2004, as part of the SMU Hoops for the Cure Classic.
In the first half, SMU shot 55.2% from the field and holding SHSU to 36% shooting. The Mustangs tallied 11 fast-break points in the first half and collected 19 points from their bench. SMU's biggest lead in the first half was 16 points (37-21). The Mustangs went into intermission with a 44-30 lead.
In the second half, the Bearkats made a mini-run at SMU's lead, cutting it to eight points (46-38) at the 18:29 mark, but SMU maintained its poise and hit its shots. The Mustangs' frustrated the Bearkats defensively. On the offensive side, SMU grabbed seven offensive boards, turning them into 12 second-chance points. SMU posted its biggest lead of the night of 33 points (91-58) with 3:38 remaining in the game.
At game's end, SMU shot 53.3% from the field - a season-best mark. The game's top scorer was Mustang Sharee Shepherd who totaled a season-high 16 points in 15 minutes of play. Senior Kendall Shead, sidelined for most of the first half due to foul trouble, finished the night with 14 points. Katy Cobb added 13 points with Katie Gross poured in 12 points. Senior Sarah Davis recorded 11 points for the Mustangs. Top scorer for the Bearkats was Britney Harris with 14 points. Adah Wells added 13 points for Sam Houston State.
SMU opens its inaugural Conference USA season this Monday with a contest at Tulsa. Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m.
