SMU Hosts Stanford Monday at 8 p.m. in Coaching For Literacy Awareness Game
Dec 17 | Men's Basketball
Game can be seen on ESPN2 or WatchESPN
| SMU (8-3, 0-0 American) vs. Stanford (7-3, 0-0 Pac-12) | |
| Date / Tip-off | Mon., Dec. 19Â / 8 p.m. |
| Location | Moody Coliseum -- Map |
| Tickets | Tickets |
| TV | ESPN2Â / WatchESPNÂ |
| Radio | KAAM 770 AMÂ |Â TuneIn App - Search SMU |Â Sirius 84 / XM 84 |
| Game Notes | SMUÂ | Stanford |Â American |
| Live Stats | SIDEARM |
| /SMUBasketball | SMU Mustangs | |
| @SMUBasketball | @SMUMustangs | |
| @SMUBasketball | @SMU.Mustangs | |
SMU (8-3) hosts Stanford (7-3) on Monday at 8 p.m. The Mustangs are 7-0 at home this season after a 92-56 win against McNeese on Wednesday. SMU is 39-3 at home since the start of the 2014-15 season and has 21 straight home wins against non-conference opponents. This is the first of back-to-back games for the Mustangs, who host Albany on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Four Mustangs average double digits with Semi Ojeleye leading the team (17.6, 4th AAC) followed by Shake Milton (12.2, 20th AAC), Ben Moore (11.8, 23rd) and Sterling Brown (10.2). Moore leads the rebounding effort (7.6, 7th AAC) for SMU, which has a +12.2 margin (1st AAC, 5th NCAA). Five Mustangs average 3.8 or more rebounds with Moore, Ojeleye (7.5, 8th AAC) and Brown (6.7, 12th AAC) leading SMU. Milton also leads SMU in assists (3.8, 7th AAC), steals (1.5, 4th AAC) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2, 6th AAC).
COACHING FOR LITERACY: The SMU coaching staff will wear green pins in support of Coaching For Literacy (CoachingForLiteracy.org). CFL utilizes the power of sports to raise awareness about the issue of illiteracy and generate funds for effective literacy programs.
LAST GAME (W, 92-56 vs. McNeese on Dec. 14): DALLAS (AP) -- Shake Milton scored a season-high 17 points and SMU defeated McNeese State 92-56 on Wednesday night for the Mustangs' fourth straight win. Milton hit 4 of 5 3-point attempts, while Semi Ojeleye made 4 of 7 for 16 points. Sterling Brown had his third career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. SMU was 12 of 23 from the arc. The Mustangs (8-3), who shot 50 percent, grabbed a season-high 51 rebounds and had a 40-14 advantage in points in the paint. Kalob Ledoux had four 3-pointers and 16 points to lead McNeese (2-6), which lost its third straight. The Cowboys made 11 3-pointers. Ojeleye scored the game's first points on three 3-pointers. Milton had two 3-pointers and Ben Moore five points in an 11-0 run for a 37-7 lead with 8:49 left in the first half, which ended with SMU ahead 48-23. The Cowboys only got as close as 17 early in the second half.
UP NEXT: SMU concludes its six-game homestand against Albany on Tuesday. The Mustangs then start American Athletic Conference with road games at Memphis on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and at East Carolina on Saturday, Dec. 31. SMU's first conference home games is Jan. 4 vs. Temple.
THE SERIES VS. STANFORD (1-2): This is the fourth meeting. Stanford has a 2-1 edge over SMU. The first game was an 80-70 result in Moody Coliseum on Dec. 28, 1963. The second meeting saw third-ranked Stanford win 86-51 in a preseason NIT game on Nov. 18, 1998. SMU claimed its first series win, 85-70, at Stanford last season on Nov. 20, 2015.
LAST MEETING VS. STANFORD (W, 85-70 in Maples Pavilion on Nov. 19, 2015): STANFORD, Calif. (AP) -- Nic Moore and Ben Moore each scored 17 points and [RV/-] SMU beat Stanford 85-70. Markus Kennedy added 14 points for the Mustangs, who won their road opener by handing the Cardinal their first loss of the year. Jordan Tolbert had 10. Rosco Allen scored 18 points to lead Stanford, which had won two previous meetings against the Mustangs, though they haven't played each other in 17 years. Marcus Allen added 14, Reid Travis had 12 and Michael Humphrey 10. SMU, which reached the second round of last year's NCAA tournament, scored 17 points on 10 Stanford turnovers in the first half while turning the ball over twice. The Mustangs shot over 50 percent for the game and were able to get the ball inside for a healthy advantage in points in the paint. Freshman Jarrey Foster hit a 3-pointer midway through the second half, putting the Mustangs ahead, 58-38. Ben Moore scored 11 of his 12 first-half points during a 17-3 run over a 5:34 span that gave the Mustangs a 31-19 lead with 6:11 remaining in the opening period. SMU took a 39-31 advantage into the intermission.
THE SERIES VS. ALBANY (0-0): This is the first meeting.
HEAD COACH TIM JANKOVICH... is in his first season at the helm at SMU after four seasons as the associate head coach. He is in his 34th season as a collegiate coach, and his 12th as a head coach. In 2015-16, the Mustangs finished 25-5, finishing the season ranked No. 24 after reaching a high of No. 8. SMU was the last unbeaten team in the country, starting 18-0, winning the Las Vegas Classic title during the season-opening streak. In 2014-15, the Mustangs claimed the American Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships en route to the NCAA Tournament. SMU was the top seed in the 2014 NIT, reaching the title game. This is his 10th season as the leader of a Division I program, including five as head coach at Illinois State (2007-12) and four at North Texas (1993-97). As a head coach, he is 174-124 (.584) [17-3 at SMU]. That includes a 104-64 mark at ISU where his teams recorded four top-three finishes in the Missouri Valley, reached the conference tournament final three times and earned four NIT bids. As an assistant or head coach, his teams are 628-375 (.626) with six regular season conference championships, four league tournament titles, nine NCAA Tournament appearances and eight NIT bids.
- 6 Conference Titles (Colorado State - WAC '89, '90; Kansas - Big 12 '05, '06, '07; SMU - AAC '15)
- 4 Conference Tournament Titles (Illinois - Big Ten '03; Kansas - Big 12 '05, '06; SMU - AAC '15)
- 9 NCAAs (CSU '89, '90; Oklahoma State '93; Illinois '03; Kansas '04 RF, '05, '06, '07 RF; SMU '15)
- 8 NITs (CSU '88, Vanderbilt '00, '02; Illinois State '08, '09, '10, '12; SMU '14 Final)
ATTENDANCE: SMU has surpassed 100,000 in attendance the past three seasons. In 2014-15, SMU set a season attendance record of 124,986 total and 6,944 average. The New Moody single-game attendance record of 7,395 was set against Connecticut (Feb. 14, 2015). SMU has sold out 43 of 55 games in Moody Coliseum since the renovated facility opened Jan. 4, 2014.
SMU Season Home Attendance Total
Total                    Season
124,986Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2014-15 AAC Champions (15 sellouts in 18 games)
117,420Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2015-16 (13 sellouts in 17 games)
107,412 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2013-14 (9 sellouts in 19 games - 13 games in Moody Coliseum)
101,296 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1984-85
---
47,725Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2016-17 (6 sellouts in 7 games)
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2016-17 SEASON-TICKET RECORD: On the heels of a three straight record-breaking seasons for SMU Men's Basketball attendance, another record has been set on the Hilltop with more than 5,100 season tickets sold for the games at Moody Coliseum.
AWARDS - JERRY WEST SHOOTING GUARD OF THE YEAR NOMINEE: Sophomore guard Shake Milton was one of 20 candidates named to the 2017 Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award watch list, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Oct. 18. The annual honor recognizes the top shooting guards in Division I men's college basketball. As a freshman, Milton was a unanimous American Athletic Conference All-Rookie selection after ranking third in the league for 3-point percentage (42.6, 52-122), 13th in field goal percentage (47.7) and 28th in scoring (10.5). The Owasso, Oklahoma, native also averaged 2.7 assists (13th AAC) and 3.0 rebounds with a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio as he helped the Mustangs to a 25-5 season. This summer, he was a shooting guard at the 2016 Nike Hoops Summit in Los Angeles and went to Croatia with a Global Sports Academy U.S. Team.
AWARDS - THE AMERICAN WEEKLY AWARDS: Junior forward Semi Ojeleye was named the American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week on Nov. 14 (22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists in 2 games). Ojeleye was also named to the Weekly Honor Roll on Nov. 21 (18.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 block in 2 games, 2K Classic All-Tournament) and Dec. 12 (23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks in win vs. TCU). Ben Moore was selected to the Weekly Honor Roll on Dec. 5 (13.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.7 assists, 15-27 FG, 2 dbl-dbls in 3 games).
AWARDS - PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE (Moore & Milton): Senior Ben Moore was named to the preseason All-AAC first team, while sophomore Shake Milton was named to the second team. The Mustangs, who finished second last season after winning the conference in 2014-15, were picked behind Cincinnati and Connecticut, respectively.
AWARDS - ALLSTATE NABC GOOD WORKS TEAM NOMINEE: Jonathan Wilfong is a nominee for the 2017 Allstate National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Good Works Team, a distinguished award that highlights student-athletes who have shown dedication to community service and altruism in their communities. The senior is a co-founder of Coaching for Literacy (coachingforliteracy.org), an organization that helps fund literacy programs focused on helping elementary and middle school students. The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to increase awareness about the number of people in America who are functionally or totally illiterate and the social problems associated with illiteracy. By partnering with sports teams from across the country for a unique game-day experience, Coaching for Literacy raises money to supports effective local literacy programs and schools focused on educating elementary and middle school students. This is the second straight season SMU has a nominee after Semi Ojeleye was on the 2015-16 award list.
2017-18 BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS: SMU will play in the 2017 Battle 4 Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas. The tournament is Nov. 22-24 and includes join Villanova, Tennessee, Arizona, Purdue, Western Kentucky, N.C. State and Northern Iowa.
3 TIMES THE CHARM: Shake Milton made 52 three-pointers as a freshman, which was two off the SMU freshman record. He was second on the team in 2015-16 to Nic Moore (76).
SMU Season 3FGM By A Freshman
               1             54          Bryan Hopkins, 2002-03; Stephen Woods, 1996-97; Jabari Hearn, 1994-95
               4             52          Shake Milton, 2015-16
               5             42          Chad Elsey, 1997-98
SMU Career 3FG Pct. - 36.0%+ (min. 50 made)
               1             47.3       Eric Longino (62-131), 1987-89
               2             44.9       Sterling Brown (80-178), 2013-
               3             43.4       Robert Nyakundi (267-615), 2008-12
               4             42.2       Todd Alexander (92-218), 1987-89
        5             42.1       Nic Moore (225-534), 2013-16
               6             41.6       Shake Milton (74-178), 2015-
               7             41.1       Troy Dorner (51-124), 1991-94
               8             40.0       Carlton McKinney (64-160), 1986-88
               9             39.2       Rodney Clinkscales (87-222), 2009-12
               10          38.9       Jon Killen (119-306), 2004-08
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60-50-85: As a junior in 2015-16, Sterling Brown shot 60.2% from the field (109-181, 2nd AAC), 53.6% from 3-point range (30-56, 1st AAC, SMU Record) and 85.7% on free throws (54-63). He is believed to be the first in NCAA Division I to accomplish the 60-50-80 marks for a season. (The 3-point line was instituted in 1986-87.)
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BALANCED SCORING: SMU had four score in double figures in 8 of 11 games this season with five in double figures versus Eastern Michigan and McNeese. In 2015-16, SMU had 4 players with 10+ points in 23 of 30 games, including 6 in double figures in the win against Hampton and 5 in double figures six times.
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BEST START(S) IN PROGRAM HISTORY: SMU started 18-0 in 2015-16, which was the best in program history, surpassing the 10-0 start by the 1997-98 team (Tim Jankovich directed the first nine games of the 18-game streak). The 18-game winning streak was the second-longest in program history (20 during 1955-56). The 7-0 start in American Athletic Conference play was the best league start since going 12-0 en route to the 1955-56 SWC title. SMU's 20-2 mark tied for the best through 22 games. The Mustangs got to 26-2 in 1955-56 before finishing 26-4.
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CRASHING THE GLASS: SMU has a +12.2 rebound margin this season (1st AAC, 5th NCAA), outrebounding 10 of 11 opponents. SMU has led The American in rebound margin for three straight seasons. In 2015-16, SMU outrebounded 24 of 30 opponents and had a +10.2 margin (1st AAC, 4th NCAA). The Mustangs were at least +10 in 16 games. In the 4-game stretch from 12/5 to 12/17, SMU was at least +25 in each game (+113 total, +28.3 average). SMU was +25 vs. New Hampshire, +25 vs. Michigan, +37 vs. Nicholls, +26 vs. Hampton. SMU has outrebounded 108 of 144 since the start of 2012-13.
Season Reb.        Margin     Conf.-NCAA      Outrebound Opp.
2012-13                +2.6      5th - 102nd        21 of 32 (+10 in 4 games)
2013-14                +4.8      1st - 36th           25 of 37 (+10 in 11 games)
2014-15                +6.7      1st - 17th           28 of 34 (+10 in 10 games)
2015-16                +10.2    1st - 4th       24 of 30 (+10 in 16 games)
2016-17                +12.2    1st - 5th             10 of 11 (+10 in 7 games)
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CRASHING THE GLASS - BALANCED REBOUNDING: SMU has 5 different players averaging 3.8 rebounds per game or better. Ben Moore leads SMU at 7.6 (7th AAC) followed by Semi Ojeleye at 7.5 (8th AAC) and Sterling Brown at 6.4 (12th AAC).
FG%: SMU is shooting 45.6% this season (5th AAC). SMU has led The American in field goal percentage for three straight seasons. In 2015-16, SMU led The American at 49.7% from the field (4th NCAA), shooting better than 25 of 30 opponents. The Mustangs have outshot 108 of 144 opponents since the start of 2012-13.
Season FG%Â Â Â Â Â Â Conf.-NCAAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Higher % Than Opp.
2012-13 .449       7th - 89th            18 of 32
2013-14 .483       1st - 18th            28 of 37
2014-15 .475       1st - 26th            29 of 34
2015-16 .497       1st - 4th               25 of 30
2016-17 .456       5th - 140th         8 of 11
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FG% - SMU CAREER - 52.0%+ (min. 250 made)
               1             62.6       Terry Williams (383-612), 1983-87
               2             55.9       Jon Koncak (713-1276), 1981-85
        3             55.8       Larry Davis (731-1311), 1981-85
               4             55.5       Ira Terrell (757-1364), 1972-76
                               55.5       Bamba Fall (324-584), 2005-09
               6             55.3       Eric Castro (432-781), 2001-05
               7             53.6       John Colborne (382-713), 1985-90
               8             53.5       Glenn Puddy (289-540), 1984-86,87-89
               9             53.1       Markus Kennedy (400-754), 2013-16
               10          52.7       Ben Moore, 2013-
               11          52.1       Cannen Cunningham (314-603), 2011-15
               12          51.9       Eric Longino (391-754), 1987-89
               13          51.8       Papa Dia (549-1059), 2007-11
               14          51.4       Sterling Brown, 2013-
               15          50.3       Tim Mason (549-1091), 1989-93
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FG% DEFENSE: SMU has held opponents to 39.2% this season (5th AAC). In 2015-16, SMU held opponents to 40.0% from the floor (3rd AAC, 28th NCAA). In the past four seasons, SMU has held 78 of 144 opponents at or below 40%.
Season        FG% Def.    Conference-NCAA         Opponents Under 40%
2012-13        .395           1st - 39th                    16 of 32
2013-14        .385           1st - 7th                      24 of 37
2014-15        .381           1st - 5th                      20 of 34
2015-16      .400           3rd - 28th                    13 of 30
2016-17        .392           5th - 52nd                   5 of 11
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INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR THE MUSTANGS (Current Roster): In the past few seasons, several Mustangs have played in international events or gone with teams on international tours. Additionally, 2-time All-American Nic Moore helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2015 World University Games in South Korea.
2016:
Global Sports Academy Goodwill Tour U.S. Team (Croatia): Jarrey Foster, Shake Milton, Semi Ojeleye
East Coast USA (Italy): Dashawn McDowell
2015:
Global Sports Academy Goodwill Tour U.S. Team (Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands): Ben Moore, Sterling Brown, Semi Ojeleye and Ben Emelogu II
2014:
Global Sports Academy Goodwill Tour U.S. Team (Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands): Ben Moore, Sterling Brown
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MOODY/HOME COURT ADVANTAGE: SMU has lost just four games (61 contests) at home since the start of the 2013-14. SMU has played 55 of those games in the renovated Moody Coliseum. In those 61 home games, SMU is averaging 76.0 points per game with a scoring margin of +16.8. SMU is shooting 50.2% at home while holding opponents to 37.4%.
Season     Home Losses (Games)  Pts.       FG%      Opp. Pts.     Opp. FG%
2013-14Â Â Â Â 1 (19 games)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 75.7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .515Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 59.4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .366
2014-15Â Â Â Â 2 (18 games)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 72.7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .495Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 58.7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .380
2015-16Â Â Â Â 1 (17 games)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 79.6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .508Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 61.5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .390
2016-17Â Â Â Â 0 (7 games)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 76.6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .472Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 54.7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .374
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NLI - JANKOVICH ANNOUNCES FOUR SIGNEES: Ethan Chargois, William Douglas, Elijah Landrum and Everett Ray have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Mustangs beginning with the 2017-18 season. Chargois (F, 6-7, 235) and Landrum (G, 6-0, 180) are from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Landrum is ranked as high as No. 2 in Oklahoma after averaging 27.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.9 steals, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals as a junior at Central High School. Chargois is ranked as high as No. 4 in Oklahoma after averaging 15 points and eight rebounds in 2015-16 for Union High School. Douglas (G, 6-4, 175) is from Memphis where he is ranked as high as No. 2 in Tennessee after averaging 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals last season at Christian Brothers High School. Ray (F, 6-7, 220) is from Addison, Texas, where he paced CHANT Home School with averages of 22 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in 2015-16.
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NON-CONFERENCE UNDER JANKOVICH: SMU is 17-3 in non-conference games under Jankovich. SMU was 12-0 in non-conference play last season, including winning the 2015-16 Las Vegas Classic. The Mustangs have lost just eight non-conference regular season contests since the start of the 2013-14 season, only one of those losses was at home (then No. 25 Arkansas 78-72 on 11/24/14).
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NON-CONFERENCE REGULAR SEASON HOME WINNING STREAKS:
Wins      Streak Started                                                      Streak Ended
39Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Colorado State; W, 63-62Â (Dec. 17, 1952)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Oklahoma; L, 96-83 (Dec. 4, 1962)
30Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Central Michigan; W, 89-78 (Dec. 17, 1982)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â [4] North Carolina; L, 88-86 (OT) (Dec. 30, 1986)
21+Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Texas Southern; W, 72-59 (Nov. 26, 2014)
(includes Gonzaga, Michigan, TCU, Wyoming, Yale)
16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Texas-Pan American; W, 86-75 (Jan. 2, 1999)Â Â Â Â Â Â Texas Tech; L, 78-75 (Nov. 20, 2001)
16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â McMurry; W, 84-42 (Dec. 16, 1995)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Alcorn State; L, 75-74 (Dec. 5, 1998)
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PAINT IS KEY: SMU has a +12.7 advantage in the paint through 11 games (32.2 to 19.5). In 2015-16, SMU outscored 24 of 30 opponents (22-2) in the paint last season, averaging 37.2 to 23.7. The Ponies have outscored 119 of 144 opponents in the paint since the start of 2012-13.
Season Outscored Opponents In The Paint (SMU to Opp.)
2012-13Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 23 of 32 (28.6 to 19.6)
2013-14 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 31 of 37 (33.4 to 21.8)
2014-15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 31 of 34 (31.5 to 19.2)
2015-16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 24 of 30 (37.2 to 23.7)
2016-17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 10 of 11 (32.2 to 19.5)
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TROPHY CASE: Since the start of the 2013-14 season, the Mustangs have added four items to the trophy case, most recently the 2015-16 Las Vegas Classic (12/16-12/23). In 2014-15, SMU won American Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles. In 2013-14, SMU was the runner-up in the NIT.
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TOP 25: SMU was receiving votes in the polls the first two weeks of the season. In 2015-16, SMU finished 24th in the AP Poll, its 17th straight poll in the top 25. That is the third-longest streak at SMU and the second-highest total in a season for the Mustangs. It was the third straight season SMU has been ranked in the top 25. In 2014-15, SMU was in the top 25 for nine weeks including the final seven regular season polls. SMU finished No. 18 in the AP and receiving votes in the USA Today Coaches poll. The Mustangs spent four weeks in the Top 25 in 2013-14. That was the first time SMU had been ranked since the 1984-85 season, when the Mustangs were as high as No. 2.
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STREAKS:
10+points: Ben Moore 3 (16, 11, 14), Semi Ojeleye 3 (15, 23, 16), Shake Milton 2 (17, 17), Jarrey Foster 2 (11, 14), Sterling Brown (10)
Longest This Season: Semi Ojeleye 7 (11/11-11/30)
8+ rebounds: Sterling Brown (10), Jarrey Foster (9), Ben Moore (8)
Long: Ben Moore 3 (11/30-12/4) Â Â
Dbl-Dbl: Sterling Brown (10 pts, 10 rebs)
Long: Semi Ojeleye (11/11, 11/25), Ben Moore (11/30, 12/4), Sterling Brown (12/4, 12/14-)Â
5+ assists: Sterling Brown (6), Ben Emelogu (6)
Long: Shake Milton 3 (11/13-11/18)Â
3+ steals: Â Â Â Â
Long: Shake Milton (11/11, 11/25, 12/2), Ben Emelogu II (11/11)Â
2+ blocks: Jarrey Foster (2) Â Â Â
Long: Ben Moore 3 (11/30-12/4)
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
- Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year
               Shake Milton (1 of 20 on Watch List - Oct. 18)
- Preseason All-American Athletic Conference
               Ben Moore (First Team - Oct. 24)
               Shake Milton (Second Team - Oct. 24)
- American Athletic Conference Player of the Week
               Semi Ojeleye - Nov. 14 (22.0 pts, 11.0 rebs, 13-23 FG, 4-8 3FG, 14-17 FT in 2-0 week)
- American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll
               Semi Ojeleye - Nov. 21 (18.5 pts, 7.0 rebs, 1.0 ast, 1.0 blk, 14-33 FG, 4-10 3FG, 1-1 week)
               Ben Moore - Dec. 5 (13.3 pts, 12.3 rebs, 2.3 blks, 1.7 asts, 15-27 FG, 2 dbl-dbls, 2-1 week)
               Semi Ojeleye - Dec. 12 (23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks in win vs. TCU)
- 2K Classic Benefiting Wounded Warrior Project All-Tournament Team
               Semi Ojeleye - Nov. 18 (20.3 pts, 9.0 rebs, 48.2% FG, 44.4% 8-18 3FG, 19-25 FT, SMU 3-1)
- Allstate NABC Good Works Team Nominee
               Jonathan Wilfong - Nov. 30
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STERLING BROWN (6-6, 230, G, Sr.): 2016-17: Averaging 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds (12th AAC) and 1.2 steals… FG% 39.1, 3FG% 43.3... GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Second double-double of the season (3rd career) against McNeese (10 pts, 10 rebs) on Dec. 14…Tallied a career-high 13 rebounds against Delaware State on Dec. 4… 8 double-digit scoring performances this season, 32 in career… Season high 14 points against UC Santa Barbara.
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BEN EMELOGU II (6-6, 215, G, Jr.): 2016-17: Averaging 4.3 points and 2.8 rebounds… GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Recorded season-highs in points (9) and assists (6) against McNeese (Dec. 14)… Recorded a season high 7 rebounds against Pittsburgh (Nov. 17)… 2015-16: Missed season due to injury.
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JARREY FOSTER (6-6, 220, G, So.): 2016-17: Averaging 9.0 points and 4.0 rebounds… FG% 58.1 (5th AAC), 3FG% 38.5… GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Five double-digit scoring performances this season, including a career-high 18 against Eastern Michigan (Nov. 13)… Scored 14 points, with a season-high 9 rebounds against McNeese (Dec. 14)…. Career high 7 assists against UC Santa Barbara (Nov. 22).
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LEO KONTOPOULOS (6-9, 210, F, Fr.): GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Played in 6 games… Scored 1 FG in 2 minute of play McNeese (Dec.14)… Played 2 minutes against Delaware State (Dec. 4) and Eastern Michigan (Nov. 13)… 2015-16: Spent the season with the Iraklis Thessaloniki B.C. in Thessaloniki, Greece… Saw action in eight games.
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DASHAWN MCDOWELL (6-5, 185, G, Fr.): 2016-17: GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Played in 11 games… Scored a career-high 7 points (2-5 FG, 3-4 FT) against McNeese (Dec. 14)… Posted 5 points against Pittsburgh (Nov. 17)… Tallied 4 rebounds twice (Eastern Michigan, Nov. 13; UCSB, Nov. 22)… 2016 SUMMER: Played for USA East Coast on a basketball tour in Italy…The team went 3-1 on the trip.
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SHAKE MILTON (6-6, 205, G, So.): 2016-17: Averaging 12.2 points (20th AAC), 3.8 assists (7th AAC) and 1.5 steals (4th AAC)…FG% 42.2, FT 89.7 (1st AAC)… 2.2 Assist/Turnover ratio (6th AAC)… GAME HIGHLIGTS: Has eight double-digit scoring performances this season, with a season-high 17 points in back-to-back games (McNeese, Dec. 14; TCU, Dec. 7)… Has tallied 5+ assists in 4 games, with at least 3 in 10-of-11 games this season… Had a season-high 7 rebounds against McNeese (Dec.14)… AWARDS: Named to the 2017 Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award watch list… AAC preseason all-conference second team.
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BEN MOORE (6-8, 220, F, Sr.): 2016-17: Averaging 11.8 points (23rd AAC), 7.6 rebounds (7 AAC) and 0.9 blocked shots (T15th AAC)… FG% 52.2 (11th AAC), FT% 67.9 … 2 double-doubles…GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Scored 14 points with 8 rebounds against McNeese (Dec. 14)… Has double-digit points in 9-of-11 games, with at least 5 rebounds in 10-of-11 games, including the last 8 straight (11/18-)… Scored a season-high 19 points at Boise State (Nov. 30)... AWARDS: AAC preseason all-conference first team… Named to AAC Honor Roll (Dec. 5).
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SEMI OJELEYE (6-7, 235, F, Jr.): 2016-17: Averaging 17.6 (128th NCAA, 4th AAC) and 7.5 rebounds (8 AAC)… FG% 47.0, 3FG% 43.8 (8th AAC), FT% 75.8 (10th AAC)… GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Has scored 10+ points in 10-of-11 games, with 20+ in 4… Tallied two double-doubles (Gardner-Webb, 26 pts, 14 rebs. USC, 13 pts, 10 rebs.)… Set career-highs in points (26) and rebounds (14) against Gardner-Webb (Nov. 11)… Posted 16 points, with 6 rebounds against McNeese (Dec. 14)… AWARDS: Named the AAC Player of the Week on Nov. 14… Was named to the 2K Classic All-Tournament Team… Named to AAC Honor Roll twice (Nov. 21, Dec. 12).
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JAMES PYLE (6-3, 175, G, Fr.-RS): Added to the active roster on Dec. 2, 2016… Recorded 1 rebound in 2 minutes against McNeese (Dec. 14)… Made first appearance against Delaware State (Dec. 4)…Played against TCU (Dec. 7).
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JIMMY WHITT (6-3, 175, G, So.): 2016-17: Will sit out due to NCAA transfer rules…2015-16 AT ARKANSAS: Averaged 6.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.6 steals…FG% 38.7, 3FG% 37.5…Free Throw % 79.2.
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JONATHAN WILFONG (6-2, 185, G, Jr.): 2016-17: Played in 7 games… Made 1 FG and had a steal against UCSB (Nov. 22)… 2015-16: Totaled 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 assists… AWARDS: 2017 Allstate NABC Good Works Team Nominee
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TOM WILSON (6-5, 180, G, Fr.): 2016-17: GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Played in 8 games… Had 3 points and 3 rebounds against McNeese (Dec. 14)… Had a 3-point FG against UCSB (Nov. 22)… 2015-16: Played with the Melbourne United in Australia's National Basketball League… In 2014 averaged 12.3 points and 6.6 rebounds at the U17 World Championship… Had 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the gold medal game (99-92 Loss to USA).
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SMU RISES IN US NEWS RANKINGS: SMU rose to its highest ranking among the nation's universities in the 2017 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges. Among 220 institutions classified as national universities, SMU ranks 56, up from 61 a year ago. The new ranking again places SMU in the first tier of institutions in the guide's "best national universities" category. In Texas, only Rice University ranks higher. SMU and the University of Texas-Austin were tied. Among private national universities, SMU ranks 39. SMU's increase was one of the five largest among the top 100 universities. Since 2008, SMU's 11-point increase is one of the four largest among schools in the top 60. For the rankings, U.S. News considers measures of academic quality, such as peer assessment scores and ratings by high school counselors, faculty resources, student selectivity, graduation rate performance, financial resources and alumni giving. SMU ranks 24 among all national universities in alumni giving at 25 percent. In other ranking categories, SMU ranks 32 as one of the best national universities for veterans.
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SMU HITS $1B CAMPAIGN GOAL: The Second Century Campaign, the largest and most successful fundraising initiative in SMU's history, raised $1.15 billion for the enhancement of the University's student quality, faculty and academic excellence and the campus experience. The campaign's official completion date was Dec. 31, 2015. The Second Century Campaign was publicly launched in 2008 with a goal of $750 million. Rapid progress toward that goal and opportunities for further advancements led SMU leaders in 2013 to increase the goal to $1 billion and extend its timeline to 2015. Ending in 2002, SMU's previous major gifts campaign, "A Time to Lead: The Campaign for SMU", raised $542 million. Combining both campaigns, in the last two decades SMU has raised a total of $1.5 billion for 753 new scholarships, 111 new academic positions, 146 academic programs and 32 capital projects. SMU joins 35 private universities that have raised $1 billion or more through major gifts campaigns.
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COACHING FOR LITERACY (CoachingForLiteracy.org): Jonathan Wilfong and Andrew Renshaw, two then-high school seniors from Memphis, Tennessee, founded Coaching for Literacy in 2012. The premise is that a participant offers a monetary donation and, in exchange, gets to be the "Assistant Coach" during a sporting event. Proceeds raised from the event go towards funding effective literacy programs focused on helping elementary and middle school students. Coaching for Literacy partners with collegiate and professional sports teams for a unique game-day experience. --- The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to increase awareness about the number of people in America who are functionally or totally illiterate and the social problems associated with illiteracy. By leveraging the unique power of collegiate and professional sports, Coaching for Literacy raises money to supports effective local literacy programs and schools focused on educating elementary and middle school students. SMU hosted two CFL events in each of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, and will host an event during the 2016-17 campaign (vs. Stanford Dec. 19).
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Players Mentioned
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/ Men's BasketballSunday, October 11
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