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By Dylan Edwards, SMUMustangs.com
DALLAS (SMU) - Despite playing with just seven scholarship players and trailing by as much as 10 in the second half, SMU once again showed there's absolutely no quit in this team.
The Mustangs battled relentlessly, especially on the defensive end, to earn a shot at the buzzer to extend the game against Memphis, but it wouldn't fall as SMU dropped a tough one on Wednesday night, 70-67.
"Our effort was tremendous," head coach Tim Jankovich said. "How hard can you play? In a deficit the whole time, they kept fighting and fighting. I'm really proud of the effort."
Jahmal McMurray was nothing short of spectacular for the Mustangs, setting a single-game SMU record with nine 3-pointers on his way to a career-high 33 points. McMurray was especially vital in erasing the Tigers' nine-point halftime lead, as 23 his points came in the second half.
McMurray played all 40 minutes and was the Mustangs' go-to guy to provide a spark on offensive. It seemed like each time SMU needed him, he delivered with a big shot.
Junior Jimmy Whitt joined McMurray in double figures, scoring 16 points while dishing out a team-high five assists.
Given the players SMU is missing, Memphis was able to take advantage of a significant size advantage on the offensive end. That led to 30 of the Tigers' points coming in the paint.
The Mustangs countered by playing with great energy and attempting to deny the Tigers' entry passes. While Memphis shot 51 percent, SMU forced the Tigers into 16 turnovers that led to 25 of the Mustangs' points. Whitt racked up a career-high five of those steals himself as he was frequently getting into passing lanes.
SMU's effort was also displayed with how the team attacked the offensive glass, finishing with 20 offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points.
Freshman Ethan Chargois returned after missing last game with an ankle injury, but SMU was still without leading scorer Shake Milton.
Next up for the Mustangs is a road trip to UCF on Saturday, February 17 for an early 10 a.m. tip.
