UNCASVILLE, Conn. - Both senior McKenzie Adams and freshman Ariana Whitfield eclipsed 20 points for the Mustangs on Saturday afternoon, but SMU's time at the AAC Championship came to an end with an 85-74 loss to ECU. 

The senior and freshman duo combined for 47 of SMU's points. Adams' 25 points were a game-high and the 11th time this season the senior scored more than 20 points. Whitfield's 22 was the next highest total in the contest. The 22 points were also a career-high for Whitfield and the first time scoring 20 points in a game. Whitfield matched another career-high by knocking down four of the Mustangs' six 3-points in the game. 

SMU outshot the Pirates by having one of the teams better shooting performance of the season. However, turnovers and ECU's offensive rebounds really hurt the Mustangs. Those miscues allowed the Pirates to get up 17 more shots to make up for their 39 percent shooting. Second-chance points and points off turnovers accounted for 40 points for ECU. 

The Mustangs still the won battle on the boards and were strong on the offensive glass in their own right. SMU grabbed 14 offensive boards which led to 15 second chance points. Senior Kiara Perry led the way with seven total rebounds for the Mustangs. 

SMU started fast, grabbing a first quarter lead of as much as eight and leading for nearly the entire first 10 minutes. However, ECU's extra opportunities started to pile up on the Mustangs as the Pirates took control of the game. 

The Mustangs kept pushing until the end, scoring 24 points in the final frame. However, ECU's 70 percent shooting in the final quarter was too much to overcome.