BOX SCORE   SEASON STATS

LOS ANGELES (SMU) – The Mustangs topped Robert Morris, 60-55, in the opening  game of the LMU Thanksgiving Classic on Friday from Gersten Pavilion.

SMU (3-3) was locked in a tight contest heading into the final period for the fourth consecutive game. The Mustangs finished strong hitting 7-of-9 from the field in the fourth quarter. Amber Bacon led the effort to snap the Mustang's losing skid by dropping a game-high 14-points and adding a trio of both steals, assists and blocks. The freshman sealed the win by knocking down a pair of free throws in the game's final 15 seconds.

The Colonials (1-4) led by as many as six in the opening half but the Mustang were able to erase that lead and jump in front thanks to closing the first on a 12-2 scoring run. After a back-and-forth third quarter, it was a three-point Mustang advantage heading into the fourth.

Alicia Froling played strong through foul trouble, chipping in 12 points. The senior added three blocks in the contest and hit 5-of-9 from the field. 

Ariana Whitfield had the highest Mustang assist output of the season. The first-year guard tallied nine assists while leading SMU with 36 minutes on the floor in the win. Altogether, the Mustangs assisted on 17 on 22 made baskets. SMU had its best shooting night of the season, hitting 49% from the field. They also drew 27 fouls resulting in 22 free throw attempts.

The Mustangs will play their final game from California on Saturday at 5 p.m. CT. They await the winner of Loyola Marymount and Northern Arizona.