SMU (14-7, 5-3 AAC) vs UAB (14-7, 6-2 AAC)
David B. Miller Court at
Moody Coliseum – Dallas, Texas
Sunday, February 4, 2024 – 5:00 p.m. CT
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The Mustangs host UAB at Moody Coliseum on Sunday at 5 p.m. The teams meet twice this season with the second matchup in Birmingham for the regular-season finale on March 10.
SMU is 10-2 at Moody Coliseum and has won six straight home games
after an 80-76 victory over Tulane on Thursday. The Mustangs had five score in double figures and dominated the glass 52-33. SMU tied a season-high with 19 offensive rebounds that led to a 24-3 advantage in second-chance points.
Tyreek Smith had a career-high 16 points (8-9 FGs) and
Ricardo Wright had a season-high 16 points to lead the scoring.
Samuell Williamson had 10 points and 13 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.
Zhuric Phelps scored 15 points with five rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Chuck Harris added 12 points in the victory.
Keon Ambrose-Hylton grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds to go with six points.
ELITE DEFENSE: In the second season under Head Coach
Rob Lanier, the Mustangs' defense is among the best in the country. SMU is holding opponents to 38.2% (1st AAC, 7th NCAA) from the field, holding 16 of 21 opponents under 42.0%. The three-point defense is 27.3% (1st AAC, 5th NCAA). Opponents are averaging 64.0 points (2nd AAC, 18th NCAA). The Mustangs are averaging 8.3 steals (4th AAC), 4.9 blocked shots per game (2nd AAC, 35th NCAA) and have a +5.5 in rebound margin (1st AAC).
MUSTANG LEADERS: The Mustangs are led in scoring by preseason All-AAC selection
Zhuric Phelps (14.6, 11th AAC) and
Chuck Harris (13.1). Phelps is also averaging 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals (4th AAC).
B.J. Edwards has a team-best 3.4 assists per game (12th AAC) with a 2.67 assist-to-turnover ratio (3rd AAC) followed by Harris at 3.4 assists (13th AAC) and a 1.783assist-to-turnover ratio (10th AAC). Harris is shooting 42.3% on threes (4th AAC).
Samuell Williamson is leading in rebounding at 7.4 (7th AAC) with 10+ in four of the past five games.
Tyreek Smith is averaging 6.0 rebounds (18th AAC) and 1.5 blocks (8th AAC).
Keon Ambrose-Hylton is averaging 1.0 blocks (13th AAC).
SMU Season FG% Defense
1.   .345 (498-1443)   1953-54
2.   .364 (656-1804)   1957-58
3.   .367 (766-2087)   1955-56
4.   .373 (609-1631)   1958-59
5.   .380 (609-1602)   1961-62
6.   .381 (691-1815)   2014-15
—-   .382   2023-24
7.   .385 (762-1977)   2013-14
8Â Â Â .386 (745-1928)Â Â Â 2016-17
9.   .387 (576-1488)   1959-60
10.   .389 (661-1698)   1954-55
  Â
SMU Season 3FG% Defense
—-   .273   2023-24
1.   .298 (210-705)   2021-22
2.   .305 (120-394)   1987-88
3.   .308 (203-660)   2011-12
4.   .314 (157-500)   1992-93
5.   .321 (248-773)   2013-14
   .321 (282-878)   2016-17
7.   .322 (197-611)   2006-07
8.   .326 (268-823)   2014-15
9.   .330 (187-567)   1997-98
10.   .331 (224-676)   2015-16
Scoring defense
1.   59.8 (34 games)   2014-15
2.   60.0 (35 games)   2016-17
3.   60.1 (32 games)   2011-12
4.   61.3 (35 games)   2010-11
5.   61.4 (29 games)   1985-86
6.   62.2 (25 games)   1957-58
7.   62.2 (37 games)   2013-14
8.   62.6 (31 games)   2006-07
9.   62.7 (32 games)   2012-13
10.   63.2 (24 games)   1958-59
—-   64.0   2023-24
Scoring margin
1.   14.3 (74.3-60.0)   2016-17
2.   13.9 (77.3-63.4)   2015-16
3.   13.4 (77.6-64.2)   1956-57
—-   11.8   2023-24
4.   11.0 (78.8-67.7)   1955-56
5.   10.4 (82.3-71.8)   1987-88
6.   9.4 (69.1-59.8)   2014-15
7.   8.8 (71.0-62.2)   2013-14
8.   8.4 (77.1-68.7)   1953-54
9.   8.1 (75.9-67.8)   1983-84
10.   8.0 (75.5-67.5)   1984-85
MEET THE MUSTANGS:
Keon Ambrose-Hylton (6-6, 220, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played all 21 games (20 starts)... averaging 7.9 points (10+ 5 times), 4.3 rebounds (career-high 11 vs Tulane 2/1) and 1.0 blocked shots (13th AAC) while shooting 65.8% (3rd AAC) ... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, shot 56.3% from the field (9-16) while averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds. 2022-23: Played all 32 games... averaged 3.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.7 blocked shots... Hit 65.7% on FGs.Â
Denver Anglin (6-1, 185, G, So.) | 2023-24: Redshirting this season following a stress reaction in his left foot... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and an assist per outing. 2022-23 at Georgetown: Played in 18 games.
B.J. Edwards (6-3, 185, G, So.) | 2023-24: Played all 21 games (20 starts)... averaging 4.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists (12th AAC) and 1.1 steals with a 2.67 assist-to-turnover ratio (3rd AAC)...Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, he averaged a team-best 6.0 assists with 5.3 points and 6.0 rebounds and a 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. 2022-23 at Tennessee: Played 14 games for a team that made the NCAA Sweet 16.
Xavier Foster (7-0, 225, F, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played 4 games... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, had a team-high four blocked shots in the three games while adding 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per matchup. 2022-23: Played 10 games... had 4 points and 4 rebounds.
Chuck Harris (6-4, 190, G, Sr.): 2023-24: Started all 21 games... averaging 13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists (13th AAC) and 1.0 steals while shooting 42.4% on threes (4th AAC) and 84.1% on FTs... Has a 1.73 assist-to-turnover ratio (10th AAC)...Has 1 double-double (18 points, 10 assists) vs Tulsa 1/20... Scored 1,000th career point in the win vs Lamar 11/9... AAC Weekly Honor Roll (D18) | Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 assists while hitting 5-of-6 on free throws. 2022-23 at Butler: played in 29 of 32 games (missed 3 due to injury) with 24 starts…Averaged 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals while hitting 34.0% on 3FGs...Team-high 85.3% on FTs (7th Big East)… Led team in scoring six times while scoring in double figures 16 times...Three 20-point games… Eight games with 5+ rebounds and four games with 3+ steals.
Ja'Heim Hudson (6-7, 220, G, Sr.) | 2023-24: Averaging 3.6 points and 3.1 rebounds... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 9.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and a steal… Recorded his tour-best 12 boards in the final contest at Barcelona. 2022-23 at Georgia State: Averaged team-best 6.9 rebounds (12th Sun Belt) with 10.1 points… Led the team with 22 blocked shots and was third with 27 steals ... Had three double-doubles ... Scored in double figures 13 times and grabbed double-figure rebounds in five games.
Emory Lanier (6-4, 190, G, Sr.) | 2023-24: Averaging 3.9 points and shooting 43.2% on 3FGs (19-44)... has 19 3FGs this season (5 in 2022-23, 3 total in 2 seasons at Davidson 2020-22)... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, he totaled eight points, five assists and two steals. 2022-23: Played in 27 games... totaled 46 points, 22 rebounds, 13 assists and 8 steals... AWARDS: NABC Honors Court... AAC All-Academic Team.
Mo Njie (6-11, 250, C, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played 8 games... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 3.0 rebounds and a blocked shot… Had a tour-best seven rebounds in the win in Valencia. 2022-23: Played in 25 games...had 42 points, 39 rebounds and 9 blocked shots.
Zhuric Phelps (6-5, 195, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Averaging 14.6 points (11th AAC), 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals (4th AAC) with 10 total blocks and hitting 78.4% on FTs (16th AAC, 76-97)... Recorded 100th career steal in the win vs Western Illinois 11/8...AAC Weekly Honor Roll (N27), Fort Myers Tip-Off All-Tournament Team, Preseason All-AAC Second Team. | Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 15.7 points, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals in just 18.0 minutes. | 2023 NBA DRAFT: On April 12,
Zhuric Phelps announced he would enter the NBA Draft and maintain his collegiate eligibility. On May 24, he announced he would withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to SMU for his junior season. | 2022-23: Started all 30 games he played... Averaged 17.5 points (6th AAC), 3.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, (11th AAC) 2.3 steals (1st AAC, 16th NCAA)... Scored 19+ in 17 games... Had 5+ assists 8 times, including 7 of last 13 games... Had 17 games with multiple steals... AWARDS: AAC Player of the Week (D26)...AAC Weekly Honor Roll (N28, F13, F20)... Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic All-Tournament Team (D22-25)... SMU SEASON RECORDS: 524 points (23rd), 2.3 steals (T-4th), 68 steals (4th).
Jalen Smith (6-2, 195, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Averaging 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists while hitting 35.6% on threes (26-73)...Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 8.3 points and 2.3 assists without committing a turnover… Hit 64.7% on field goals (11-17) and 2-5 on threes. 2022-23: Played all 32 games with 23 starts...averaged 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists with a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio... Scored 10+ five times.
Tyreek Smith (6-8, 225, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Averaging 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds (18th AAC), 0.9 steals and 1.5 blocks (8th AAC) while shooting 62.1% on FGs and 70.9% on FTs (39-55)...Has 2 double-doubles... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged a team-best 8.0 rebounds with 6.7 points and a block per game… Had 9 points and a team-high 12 rebounds in the opening win at Madrid. 2022-23 at Oklahoma State: Played all 36 games with 9 starts as team made the NIT Quarterfinals… Averaged 5.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocked shots while shooting 59.7% from the field… Had seven games scoring 10+ and four games with 10+ rebounds (all in the last 5 games)… Had 2 double-doubles… Had multiple blocks 6 times.
Trey Utter (6-0, 160, G, So.) | 2023-24: Played in 5 games... Summer 2023 in Spain: Played in the last two games, scoring two points in his first appearance in the victory in Valencia. 2022-23: Played in 2 games...Made his SMU debut in the AAC-opening win vs Tulsa 1/1... AWARDS: AAC All-Academic Team.
Samuell Williamson (6-8, 205, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Averaging 9.0 points, 7.4 rebounds (7th AAC, 10+ in 4 of past 5 games) and 1.5 assists... 4 double-doubles (8th AAC)... AAC Weekly Honor Roll (D26)... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged team-best 16.0 points with 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.0 assists while shooting 62.5% (20-32)… Game-high 26 points (12-17 FGs) with 7 rebounds in the win in Valencia. 2022-23: Played all 32 games with 30 starts... Averaged 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds (6th AAC), 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals (11th AAC), 0.8 blocked shots.... Had 6 double-doubles (6th AAC)... Scored 10+ in 16 games... Had 7+ rebounds 17 times... 15 games with multiple steals... AWARDS: AAC Weekly Honor Roll (J2), AAC All-Academic Team.
Ricardo Wright (6-3, 185, G, Sr.) | Averaging 5.5 points (6+ in 9 of past 10 games) and shooting 38.5% on threes (25-65)... Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 5.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists. 2022-23: Played in 27 games... averaged 3.1 points and 0.8 rebounds with 9 assists and 6 steals... Shot b34.6% on 3FGs... Had 4 games with 10+ points.
Jackson Young (6-2, 185, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played in 5 games... SCHOLARSHIP: During a team meeting on Jan. 6, Head Coach
Rob Lanier announced that
Jackson Young was awarded a scholarship... Summer 2023 in Spain: Played in the last two games, hitting a pair of threes in finale in Barcelona and totaling two assists. 2022-23: Played in 5 games.
LAST GAME (W, 80-76 vs Tulane on Feb. 1): DALLAS (SP) --
Tyreek Smith and Richardo Wright both had 16 points in SMU's 80-76 victory against Tulane on Thursday night. Smith also contributed seven rebounds for the Mustangs (14-7, 5-3 American Athletic Conference). Wright was 5 of 12 from the floor, including 3 for 8 from 3-point range, and 3 for 4 from the line.
Zhuric Phelps was 5 of 19 shooting, including 1 for 7 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 4 from the line to finish with 15 points, while adding five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Kevin Cross led the Green Wave (12-9, 3-6) in scoring, finishing with 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Sion James added 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Tulane. In addition, Tre' Williams finished with 12 points.
POSTGAME NOTES
- SMU 8-3 in past 11 games
- 6 straight home wins, 10-2 at Moody Coliseum
- Rebounds: SMU 52 (season high), Tulane 33
- Offensive Rebounds: SMU 19 (tied season high), Tulane 4
- Second-Chance Points: SMU 24, Tulane 3
- SMU had 5 score 10+ | 6th game this season with at least 4 in double figures (6-0)
UP NEXT: The Mustangs are at Rice on Wednesday before hosting the rematch with North Texas on Feb. 11. The Mustangs then have a trip to Tulane on Feb. 15 followed by a home matchup with [rv/rv] Memphis on Feb. 18.
THE SERIES VS. UAB (2-9): This is the first meeting as American Athletic Conference opponents after playing 10 times as Conference USA mates (2005-13). The last meeting was a 53-52 UAB victory in the first round of the 2013 C-USA Tournament. UAB won seven of the eight Conference USA regular-season meetings. SMU's lone C-USA win came in a 60-56 victory at UAB in 2007. The teams met twice in the C-USA Tournament. The first  meeting was a 79-63 SMU win in the Rainbow Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Dec. 29, 1983.
LAST GAME (L, 53-52 - vs. UAB on March 13): TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Jordan Swing scored 17 points, including a layup with 9 seconds to play, and UAB beat SMU 53-52 in the opener of the Conference USA tournament. Swing had a team-high nine rebounds and was 7 of 13 from the field for the game. Rod Rucker had 11 points. UAB was up 32-23 at halftime and led until Brian Bernardi hit two free throws to put the Mustangs up 52-51 with 29 seconds remaining. Swing's layup put the Blazers (16-16) back on top. No. 10 seed SMU missed a jumper with a second to play. Jalen Jones led SMU (15-17) with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Cannen Cunningham had 11 points. The Mustangs held UAB to 35.4% shooting for the contest, the 15th time this year SMU held its opponent under 40% shooting for a game
THE SERIES VS. RICE (120-77): This is the 198th meeting with the Mustangs leading 120-77. That is the most games and wins for SMU against any opponent. The Mustangs hold a 69-24 series edge in Dallas while it is even at 49-49 in Houston. This is the fourth league the teams have shared. The two teams were members of the Southwest Conference from 1918-19 to 1995-96, with SMU going 94-58 in regular-season games and 3-3 in SWC Christmas Tournament matchups. SMU was 11-7 in regular season WAC contests from 1996-97 to 2004-05, losing the only WAC Tournament contest. In Conference USA from 2005-06 to 2012-13, SMU was 10-6 during the season and the programs split a pair of C-USA Tournament meetings.
LAST MEETING VS RICE (W, 67-55 at SMU on Feb. 27, 2013): DALLAS (AP) -- Shawn Williams scored 17 points and Cannen Cunningham added 13 points and 13 rebounds to lead SMU to a 67-55 victory against Rice. Nick Russell had 13 points for the Mustangs, who shot 57 percent from the floor and enjoyed a 40-23 rebounding edge. Tamir Jackson scored 20 points and Max Guercy 16 for the Owls, who lost their seventh straight. Rice was on an uphill climb for much of the game, thanks to a first-half stretch of 6:48 in which it didn't score. SMU led 35-20 at the break.
EARNING A SCHOLARSHIP: During a team meeting in Memphis on January 6, Head Coach
Rob Lanier announced that
Jackson Young was being awarded a scholarship. Young came to SMU as a walk-on before the 2022-23 season.
Jackson Young was featured on NBC's Today Show in the Morning Boost segment on Jan. 13.
NET IMPROVEMENT: SMU is No. 42 in the NCAA NET (Through Feb. 1). That is 167 spots better than the end of 2022-23 (No. 209). That is the 8th-largest improvement from the end of 2022-23 through Feb. 1.
+/-   Team, Conference      NET   Final 2022-23 NET
276   McNeese, Southland      64   340
194Â Â Â South Carolina, SECÂ Â Â Â Â Â 41Â Â Â 235
183   UC San Diego, Big West   99   282
181   High Point, Big South      109   290
179Â Â Â California, Pac-12Â Â Â Â Â Â 136Â Â Â 315
175Â Â Â Monmouth, CAAÂ Â Â Â Â Â 176Â Â Â 351
172   Green Bay, Horizon      189   361
167Â Â Â SMU, AACÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 42Â Â Â 209
165Â Â Â Evansville, MVCÂ Â Â Â Â Â 187Â Â Â 352
152Â Â Â Loyola Chicago, A-10Â Â Â Â Â Â 117Â Â Â 269
152Â Â Â Tulsa, AACÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 172Â Â Â 324
LEAVE NO DOUBT: 13 of SMU's 14 wins are by double figures (defeated Tulane 80-76 on 2/1).
SO CLOSE: Five of SMU's seven losses this season are by five points or less. The Mustangs lost 77-72 at Wichita State on Jan. 28, 68-66 at North Texas on Jan. 25, 62-59 at [15/15] Memphis on Jan. 7, 76-74 at Arizona State on Dec. 6 and 65-63 to Dayton on Nov. 29.Â
HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY: This season marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the renovated Moody Coliseum. The remodeled facility made its basketball debut on Jan. 4, 2014 with a matchup against then-No. 17/15 UCONN, giving the Huskies a 74-65 loss. Since the renovation, SMU was been ranked or receiving votes in eight of those seasons getting as high as No. 8, won two AAC championships and made five postseasons (2 NCAA, 3 NIT).
ROCKET MORTGAGE FORT MYERS TIP-OFF: SMU defeated West Virginia 70-58 in the semifinal before falling 69-61 to Wisconsin in the championship game.
Zhuric Phelps was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals. In the semifinal, SMU outscored West Virginia 45-22 in the second half en route to the win. In the final against Wisconsin, the Mustangs led by as many as 11 and the game was tied at 57-57 with 2:48 left.
SOLD OUT: The SMU game versus [13/15] Texas A&M on Nov. 14 was played in front of a sellout crowd of 6,852 at Moody Coliseum. It was the first sellout since Feb. 24, 2018 against [13/12] Wichita State. The SMU home attendance this season is up to 4,843 from 3,916 last season.
GRAND ACHIEVEMENT:
Zhuric Phelps (953 - all at SMU) and
Samuell Williamson (964) are both approaching the 1,000-point scoring milestone.
Chuck Harris (1240) surpassed it on Nov. 9 vs Lamar.
CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARDS: SMU is averaging 40.2 rebounds (2nd AAC, 25th NCAA) and 13.6 offensive rebounds (1st AAC, 17th NCAA) with a +5.5 margin (1st AAC, 45th NCAA). SMU has been +10 or better 8 times this season.
Samuell Williamson leads the team at 7.4 (7th AAC) followed by
Tyreek Smith at 6.0 (18th AAC) and
Zhuric Phelps at 4.4.
Tyreek Smith is grabbing 2.2 offensive rebounds (12th AAC) followed by
Keon Ambrose-Hylton at 2.0 (16th AAC). 5X5: Four times this season, SMU has had at least 5 Mustangs record 5+ rebounds (Western Illinois 11/8, at Arizona State 12/6, at Florida State 12/16, Charlotte 1/2)
SMU Season Rebound Margin
1.   10.2 (39.4-29.3)   2015-16
2.   8.7 (38.1-29.5)   2016-17
3.   8.4 (37.2-28.8)   1988-89
4.   6.7 (36.6-29.9)   2014-15
5.   5.7 (48.5-42.8)   1959-60
—-   5.5   2023-24
6.   5.0 (46.5-41.5)   1958-59
7.   4.8 (36.0-31.3)   2013-14
8.   4.6 (38.1-33.5)   1984-85
9.   4.3 (43.3-39.0)   1999-00
BLOCK PARTY: The Mustangs had 12 blocked shots in the win over Houston Christian. That ties for fourth in program history. Seven Mustangs had a block.
Keon Ambrose-Hylton and
Tyreek Smith each had three. SMU is averaging 4.9 blocks for the season (2nd AAC, 35th NCAA).
Tyreek Smith leads the team with 1.5 blocks per game (8th AAC) followed by
Keon Ambrose-Hylton at 1.0 (13th AAC).
SMU Single-Game Blocks
- 13 San Jose St., 2-6-2003
- 13 Hardin-Simmons, 1-6-1999
- 13 Midwestern State, 12-29-2014 (W, 70-61)
- 12 Houston, 2-12-1979
- 12 UT-Tyler, 11-19-2004 (W 76-61)
- 12 Houston Christian, 12-19-2023 (W, 89-53)
SMU Season Blocked shots average
1.   5.0 (30 games)   2002-03
—-   4.9   2023-24
2.   4.8 (29 games)   2005-06
3.   4.6 (27 games)   1978-79
   4.6 (30 games)   2015-16
5.   4.5 (33 games)   1984-85
   4.5 (37 games)   2013-14
   4.5 (17 games)   2020-21
MEN OF STEALS: The Mustangs are averaging 8.3 steals (4th AAC, 51st NCAA). SMU recorded 17 in the win over Western Illinois on Nov. 8 (T-3rd program history) and has 10 or more 6 times. Ten different Mustangs have at least 7 steals this season, led by
Zhuric Phelps (2.0 - 4th AAC).
SMU Single-Game Steals
- 19, Ark-Pine Bluff, 12-20-2004
- 18, [15] Tulsa, 3-4-2000
- 17, Houston Baptist,12-2-2020
- 17, Western Illinois, 11-8-2023
SMU Season Steals Average
1.   9.3 (30 games)   1999-00
2.   8.6 (28 games)   2004-05
3.   8.5 (35 games)   1987-88
4.   8.3 (28 games)   1992-93
   8.3 (30 games)   1998-99
—-   8.3   2023-24
6.   7.8 (30 games)   2002-03
KE-ON TARGET:
Keon Ambrose-Hylton is shooting 65.8% from the field this season (3rd AAC) and
Tyreek Smith is at 62.1% this season. In the 90-47 win over Texas A&M-Commerce on Dec. 3,
Keon Ambrose-Hylton scored 19 points, going 9-9 on FGs. The Mustangs shot 69.2% from the field in that victory, which is fourth in program history. He was the first Mustang to be perfect from the floor on at least 9 attempts since Semi Ojeleye was 9-9 vs Tulsa 3/2/17. In the 80-76 win over Tulane on Feb. 1,
Tyreek Smith was 8-9 on FGs, tying for fifth in an AAC game for SMU with at least 8 made FGs.
SMU Highest Field Goal Percentage In A Game
1.   72.3 (34-47) vs Lamar, 11-21-2010
2.   69.8 (30-43) vs Southern Miss, 1-22-2011
3.   69.4 (34-49) vs Savannah State, 12-19-2005
4.   69.2 (36-52) vs Texas A&M-Commerce 12-3-2023
5.   67.7 (42-62) vs Texas Tech, 1-5-1983
Best FG% By A Mustang In AAC Game (At Least 8 Made FGs)
   10-10 Markus Kennedy, 22/22 Memphis, 2-1-2014 (W+,87-72)
   9-9 Semi Ojeleye, Tulsa, 3-2-2017 (W, 93-70)
   9-10 Ryan Manuel, UCF, 1-31-2015 (W, 75-56)
   9-10
Samuell Williamson, ECU, 2-19-2023 (W, 86-70)
   8-9 Feron Hunt, Connecticut, 2-12-2020 (W, 79-75)
   8-9
Tyreek Smith, Tulane, 2-1-2024 (W, 80-76)
AND ANOTHER THREE: In the 92-65 win at Murray State on Dec. 22, SMU went 15-23 on threes. That is seventh in program history for percentage (65.2%) and tied for second in threes made.
Chuck Harris was 5-8,
Ricardo Wright 4-4 and
Jalen Smith 3-4.
SMU Single-Game 3-Point Percentage (Min. 5 3FGA)
- 80.0 (4-5) vs. Baylor, 3-6-1987
- 72.7 (8-11) Rider, 11-21-2012
- 71.4 (5-7) at Nevada, 12-20-1989
- 71.4 (10-14) McNeese State, 12-2-2013
- 66.7 (12-18) Southern Miss, 1-22-2011
- 66.7 (10-15) at Tulsa, 12-29-2015
- 65.2 (15-23) SMU at Murray State, 12-22-2023
SMU Single-Game 3FG Made
- 16 UC Riverside, 11-20-2010
- 15 at Murray State, 12-22-2023
- 15 seven other times
THE SCHEDULE: SMU went 9-4 against a non-conference schedule highlighted by home games against Dayton (L, 65-63) and then-[13/15] Texas A&M (L, 79-66), road match-ups with Arizona State (L, 76-74) and Florida State (W, 68-57) plus the Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off with West Virginia (W, 70-58 - semifinal) and Wisconsin (L, 69-61 - championship). SMU plays five AAC opponents twice: ECU (W at ECU), [rv/rv] Memphis (L at UM), North Texas (L at UNT), Tulane (W at SMU) and UAB. The Mustangs will play home games only against Charlotte (W), Temple (W), Tulsa (W) and UTSA, and play road games only versus [22/24] Florida Atlantic, Rice, South Florida and Wichita State (L). The American Men's Basketball Championship is March 13-17 (Wednesday-Sunday) at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.
MUSTANGS GO 3-0 IN SPAIN: SMU finished 3-0 on its exhibition tour in Spain. The Mustangs won 88-77 in Madrid, 125-66 in Valencia and 92-60 in Barcelona. For the three games, the Mustangs shot 50.2% from the field, averaged 15.7 steals and had a plus-21.7 rebound margin (55.7-34.0).Â
Samuell Williamson averaged 16.0 points to lead the team in scoring, while pulling down 6.3 rebounds and shooting 62.5% (20-32).
Zhuric Phelps added 15.7 points while totaling seven assists and six steals in the three contests.
B.J. Edwards led with 6.0 assists while also averaging 5.3 points and 6.0 rebounds with a 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Ja'Heim Hudson contributed 9.3 points and 7.0 rebounds.
Chuck Harris scored 11.0 per game with 2.0 assists.
Tyreek Smith a team-best 8.0 rebounds per game with 6.7 points.
Denver Anglin added 6.7 points and an assist per outing.
Keon Ambrose-Hylton shot 56.3% from the field (9-16) while averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds.
Ricardo Wright added 5.3 points and 1.3 assists.
Emory Lanier had eight points, five assists and two steals for the trip.
Â
During the trip, the travel party visited historic sites in each city. Highlights included Madrid's Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace as well a tour of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid, the Port of Valencia and a tour at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
STEALING THE SHOW:
Zhuric Phelps has 138 career steals, which is 10th at SMU. He is averaging 2.0 this season (4th AAC). He had 68 steals in 2022-23, averaging 2.3 per game (1st AAC, 16th NCAA). That was fifth in a season at SMU. Phelps had a career-high 7 steals at Wichita State on Feb. 12, which tied for third in a game at SMU and was the most since Nic Moore had 7 vs Texas Southern 11/26/2014. Phelps also had 6 at Tulsa on Jan. 18 as well as 5 against Cincinnati on Jan. 14 and five at USF on Feb. 25.
SMU Career Steals
   1   225   Bryan Hopkins, 2002-06
   2   209   Gerald Lewis, 1989-93
   3   205   Carl Wright, 1982-85
   4   197   Jeryl Sasser, 1997-01
   5   179   Stephen +Woods, 1996-00
   6   160   Willie Davis, 1997-01
   7   153   Quinton Ross, 1999-03
   8   144   Jon Killen, 2004-08
   9   139   Sterling Brown, 2013-17
   10   138  Â
Zhuric Phelps, 2021-
SMU Career Steals Avg. (min. 35 games)
   1   2.1   Bryan Hopkins (225/105), 2002-06
      2.1   Carl Wright (205/96), 1982-85
   3   1.9   Gerald Lewis (209/112), 1989-93
   4   1.7   Carlton McKinney (111/64), 1986-88
      1.7   Jeryl Sasser (197/117), 1997-01
      1.7   Jemeil Rich (136/81), 1994-97
      1.7  Â
Zhuric Phelps, 2021-
   8   1.6   Stephen Woods (179/112), 1996-00
      1.6   Jimmy Whitt Jr. (103/63), 2017-19
SMU Season    Steals Average
   1   2.9   Gerald Lewis (Sr.), 1992-93 (79/27)
   2   2.4   Bryan Hopkins (Sr.), 2005-06 (52/22)
      2.4   Bryan Hopkins (Jr.), 2004-05 (59/25)
   4   2.3   Carl Wright (So.), 1983-84 (77/33)
      2.3   Carl Wright (Jr.), 1984-85 (76/33)
      2.3   Gerald Lewis (Jr.), 1991-92 (63/28)
      2.3  Â
Zhuric Phelps (So.), 2022-23
   8   2.2   Willie Davis (Jr.), 1999-00 (67/30)
   9   2.1   Bryan Hopkins (Fr.), 2002-03 (61/29)
   10   2.0   Jeryl Sasser (So.), 1998-99 (60/30)
      2.0   Peter Lodwick (Sr.,) 1976-77 (53/27)
   —-   2.0  Â
Zhuric Phelps (Jr.), 2023-24
SMU Season Steals
   1    79   Gerald Lewis (Sr.), 1992-93
   2   77   Carl Wright (So.), 1983-84
   3   76   Carl Wright (Jr.), 1984-85
   4   68  Â
Zhuric Phelps (So.), 2022-23
   5   67   Willie Davis (Jr.), 1999-00
SMU Single-Game Steals
   1   9   Bryan Hopkins, San Jose State, 2-10-2005
   2   8   Willie Davis, [15] Tulsa, 3-4-2000
   T3   7  Â
Zhuric Phelps, at Wichita State, 2-12-2023 (7 other times)
LEADING THEM ALL: Twice in 2022-23,
Zhuric Phelps led or co-led the Mustangs in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in the same game. He had 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block in the 77-74 win against [rv/rv] Utah State on Dec. 23. Phelps had 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block in the 80-65 home loss to [2/2] Houston on Feb. 16.
HISTOR-ACC DAY: SMU celebrated one of the most important moments in the school's history on Sept. 1 when it received and accepted an invitation to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. With the additions of SMU, Cal & Stanford, the ACC will have 18 members.
PONY UP DALLAS: In just seven days after announcing the move into the Atlantic Coast Conference on Sept. 1, SMU raised $100 million to support the Mustangs' transition to the ACC in 2024. The generous early commitments from a group of thirty donors that includes trustees and key donors – alumni and non-alumni alike – enables SMU to align and compete with an elite group of national institutions with powerhouse athletic programs, benefiting both SMU Athletics and the entire University community. The move to the new conference is also creating additional impact. Mustang fans have responded enthusiastically to the planned move, with men's basketball season ticket sales jumping 30% in the last week and hundreds of new football season tickets being sold as well. Notably, the move has immediately raised SMU's profile, with media coverage of the move generating more than $163 million in advertising value in the first three days. In that same small window, SMU also experienced a 103% increase in visitors to its undergraduate admissions homepage.
HEAD COACH ROB LANIER... is in his second season  at SMU after arriving from Georgia State. He has more than 30 years as a collegiate coach, including eight seasons as a head coach. His teams have made 12 NCAA Tournaments and earned 19 total postseason bids. Those teams also have five conference titles, three regular season championships and two tournament crowns, plus five more trips to a league tournament final.Â
Following his first season on the Hilltop, which included a runner-up finish at the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Lanier brought in a transfer class ranked as high as No. 42 nationally and No. 2 in The American. In August of 2023, the Mustangs went 3-0 in Spain with games in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. The team visited several historic sites including Madrid's Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace as well a tour of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid, the Port of Valencia and a tour at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.Â
After arriving at SMU, Lanier was named a training camp coach for the 2022 USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team. He worked with the team in Houston prior to its gold-medal run at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in Mexico.Â
In his three seasons at Georgia State, the Panthers went 53-30, winning the Sun Belt Tournament in 2022 and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers also made the Sun Belt Tournament final in 2021. Additionally, he led GSU to a victory over Georgia Tech, the program's first win over an ACC opponent. The Panthers also claimed the 2019-20 2K Empire Classic Riverside Regional.Â
In addition to being the head coach at Georgia State and Siena, he has been associate head coach or an assistant coach at Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Rutgers and his alma mater, St. Bonaventure. Lanier has played a role in signing 10 McDonald's All-Americans, and 11 players that he either signed or coached have become NBA Draft Picks.
COACHSPEAK.NET: Head Coach
Rob Lanier runs the site as a platform for coaches from all levels across all sports to express themselves on a wide range of topics. It began as an idea in the spring of 2016 and became a reality in 2017. This is a not a site about Strategy, Instruction or Coaching philosophy but it certainly can and will explore those areas. This is a site about people. Coach Lanier has also written articles for the site:
TWO STEP by
Rob LanierÂ
https://www.coachspeak.net/two-step-by-rob-lanier/
RECALLING MY NBA DAYS…ALL 5 OF THEM by
Rob Lanier
https://www.coachspeak.net/recalling-my-nba-days-all-5-of-them-by-rob-lanier/
SMU BASKETBALL COACHES SHOW PRESENTED BY THE COX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: The SMU Basketball Coaches Show presented by the Cox School of Business features Men's Basketball Head Coach
Rob Lanier and Women's Basketball Head Coach Toyelle Wilson beginning Monday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. at Ozona Grill and Bar. Ozona Grill and Bar is located at 4615 Greenville Ave., just a short distance from the SMU campus. Fans can watch LIVE on the SMU Mustangs Facebook page, or listen on SMUMustangs.com and on the SMU Mobile App. SHOW DATES: Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 4, Â 11
AAC OPENERS: The Mustangs defeated Charlotte 66-54 on Jan. 2 for their 10th straight win in AAC openers.
2023-24 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
- American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll
   N27 -
Zhuric Phelps (19.0 pts, 6.3 rebs, 2.0 asts, 2.0 stls in 2-1 week)
   D18 -
Chuck Harris (24 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts in win at Florida State)
   D26 -
Samuell Williamson (14.0 pts, 10.5 rebs, 2.0 asts, 13-20 FGs in 2-0 week)
- Fort Myers Tip-Off All-Tournament Team -
Zhuric Phelps (18.0 pts, 7.5 rebs, 2.0 asts, 2.0 stls)
- Preseason All-American Athletic Conference -
Zhuric Phelps (2nd Team)
2022-23 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS (returnees):
- American Athletic Conference Player of the Week
   D26 -
Zhuric Phelps (19.7 pts, 5.7 rebs, 3.0 asts, 1.7 stls in 3 games at Diamond Head Classic)
- American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll
   N28 -
Zhuric Phelps (20.0 pts, 6.0 rebs, 4.0 asts, 2.5 stls, 2.0 blks in 2 games)
   J2 -
Samuell Williamson (17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal vs Tulsa)
   F13 -
Zhuric Phelps (22.5 pts, 3.0 rebs, 5.0 asts, 5.5 stls in 2 games, game-winning FT vs Temple)
   F20 -
Zhuric Phelps (18.5 pts, 5.5 rebs, 7.5 asts, 2.5 stls, 5-9 3FGs in 2 games
- Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic All-Tournament Team
   D22-25 -
Zhuric Phelps (19.7 pts, 5.7 rebs, 3.0 asts, 1.7 stls in 3 games)
2021-22 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS (returnees):
- American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week
   D13 -
Zhuric Phelps (13 pts, 2 rebs, 2 stls, 1 ast, 6-8 FG, 1-1 3FG in win vs Dayton)
STREAKS:
10+ points:
Zhuric Phelps 4 (18, 22, 12, 15),
Chuck Harris 2 (15, 12), Tyreek Smith (16),
Ricardo Wright (16),
Samuell Williamson (10)
Longest This Season:
Zhuric Phelps 11 (11/14 - 1/2),
Chuck Harris 5 (11/9 - 11/26)Â
8+ rebounds:
Samuell Williamson (13),
Keon Ambrose-Hylton (11)
Long:
Samuell Williamson 4 (12/6 - 12/22), 4 (1/13 - 1/25), Tyreek Smith 2 (11/6 - 11/8)
Dbl-Dbl:
Samuell Williamson (10p/13r)
Long:
Samuell Williamson 2 (1/16 - 1/20)
5+ assists:
Zhuric Phelps 2 (5, 5)
Long:
B.J. Edwards 2 (11/8 - 11/9), (1/16 - 1/20),
Zhuric Phelps (1/28 - )
2+ steals:
Zhuric Phelps 2 (3, 3)
Long:
Zhuric Phelps 3 (11/22 - 11/29; 12/19 - 1/2; 1/13 - 1/20),
Samuell Williamson 3 (1/20 - 1/28)
2+ blocks:
Tyreek Smith (2)Â
Long: Tyreek Smith 5 (12/16 - 1/7), 3 (11/6 - 11/9),
Keon Ambrose-Hylton 3 (12/19 - 1/2)
SEEING DOUBLE-DOUBLE:
Samuell Williamson has 7 double-doubles in AAC play at SMU. In 2022-23, he had 6 double-doubles for the season including 4 in AAC games. This season, he has 4 double-doubles with 3 in AAC games.
SMU Career Double-Doubles In AAC Games
11 - Ben Moore, 2013-17
7 - Markus Kennedy, 2013-16
7 -
Samuell Williamson, 2022-24
5 - Feron Hunt, 2018-21
5 - Marcus Weathers, 2021-22
SMU Season Double-Doubles In AAC Games
6 - Ben Moore, 2016-17
5 - Ben Moore, 2015-16
5 - Marcus Weathers, 2021-22
4 - Markus Kennedy, 2013-14
4 - Sterling Brown, 2016-17
4 - Feron Hunt, 2020-21
4 -
Samuell Williamson, 2022-23
3 - Yanick Moreira, 2014-15
3 - Jimmy Whitt Jr., 2018-19
3 - Tyson Jolly, 2019-20
3 -
Efe Odigie, 2022-23
3 -
Samuell Williamson, 2023-24
DOUBLE-DOUBLES THIS SEASON   Stats   Season   Career
Tyreek Smith   SAGU 11/6   12 pts, 10 rebs   1st   3rd
Zhuric Phelps   vs West Virginia 11/20   17 pts, 12 rebs   1st   2nd
Tyreek Smith   at Florida State 12/16   10 pts, 10 rebs   2nd   4th
Samuell Williamson   at Murray State 12/22   10 pts, 13 rebs   1st   12th
Samuell Williamson   Temple 1/16   17 pts, 12 rebs   2nd   13th
Chuck Harris   Tulsa 1/20   18 pts, 10 asts   1st   1st
Samuell Williamson   Tulsa 1/20   15 pts, 10 rebs   3rd   14th
Samuell Williamson   Tulane 2/1   10 pts, 13 rebs   4th   15th
ZHURIC PHELPS NBA DRAFT: On April 12,
Zhuric Phelps announced he would enter the NBA Draft and maintain his collegiate eligibility. On May 24, he announced he would withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to SMU for his junior season.
PORTAL POWER: 247 Sports ranked SMU as the No. 42 transfer class and the No. 2 class in the American Athletic Conference (Memphis). The transfers included two ranked as four-star (
B.J. Edwards - Tennessee,
Chuck Harris - Butler) and three as three-star (
Denver Anglin - Georgetown,
Ja'Heim Hudson - Georgia State, Tyreek Smith - Oklahoma State) additions.
AAC HONORS: SMU leads The American in Players Of The Year (4) and is second in All-AAC honors (19)
AAC Players of the Year
4 - SMUÂ
2 - Cincinnati, Houston
1 - Connecticut, Memphis, Wichita State
All-AAC Honors
21 - Houston
19 - SMU
16 - CincinnatiÂ
14 – Memphis
Mustangs Selected All-American Athletic Conference
Sterling Brown (2016-17 Second Team)
Kendric Davis (2019-20 Third Team, 2020-21 First Team, 2021-22 First Team)
Feron Hunt (2020-21 Third Team)
Tyson Jolly (2019-20 Third Team)
Markus Kennedy (2013-14 Second Team, 2014-15 Second Team)
Jahmal McMurray (2018-19 Second Team)
Isiaha Mike (2019-20 Third Team)
Shake Milton (2016-17 Second Team, 2017-18 Second Team)
Ben Moore (2016-17 Second Team)
Nic Moore (2013-14 First Team, 2014-15 First Team, 2015-16 First Team)
Yanick Moreira (2014-15 Second Team)
Semi Ojeleye (2016-17 First Team)
Marcus Weathers (2021-22 Second Team)
AAC CHAMPIONSHIPS: SMU has won two regular season titles and two tournament titles.
6 - Houston (4 Season, 2 Tournament)
5 - Cincinnati (3 Season, 2 Tournament)
4 - SMU (2 Season, 2 Tournament)
2 - Louisville (1 Season, 1 Tournament)
1 - Temple (Season), Tulsa (Season), Wichita State (Season), Memphis (Tournament), UCONN (Tournament)
SMU BASKETBALL - HONORS (Awards/Honors since 2013-14)
 •  NBA Draft Picks (Semi Ojeleye & Sterling Brown in '17, Shake Milton in '18)
 •  AAC Players of the Year (Nic Moore '15, '16; Semi Ojeleye '17; Kendric Davis '22)
 •  AP All-America Honorable Mention (Nic Moore '15, '16; Semi Ojeleye '17)
 •  Academic All-American (Semi Ojeleye '17)
 •  Wooden Award Watch List (Nic Moore '15, '16, Shake Milton '18, Kendric Davis '22)
 •  Naismith Trophy Watch List (Nic Moore '15, '16; Shake Milton '18, Kendric Davis '22)
 •  Karl Malone Award Watch List (Markus Kennedy '16)
 •  Bob Cousy Award Watch List (Nic Moore '16; Shake Milton '18, Kendric Davis '22)
 •  Lute Olson Award Watch List (Nic Moore '15; Shake Milton '18; Kendric Davis '21, '22)
 •  Jerry West Award Watch List (Shake Milton '17)
 •  Oscar Robertson Trophy Watch List (Nic Moore '16)
 •  NABC All-District (Nic Moore '14, '15, '16; Markus Kennedy '14, '15; Yanick Moreira '15; Ben Moore '16; Semi Ojeleye '17; Shake Milton '17, '18, Kendric Davis '20, '21, '22; Marcus Weathers '22)
 •  USBWA All-District (Nic Moore '14, '16; Semi Ojeleye '17; Shake Milton '18, Kendric Davis '21, '22)
 •  NABC College All-Star (Sterling Brown '17; Ben Moore '17)
 •  All-AAC 1st Team (Nic Moore '14, '15, '16; Semi Ojeleye '17; Kendric Davis '21, '22)
 •  All-AAC 2nd Team (Markus Kennedy '14, '15; Yanick Moreira '15; Sterling Brown '17; Ben Moore '17; Shake Milton '17, '18; Jahmal McMurray '19; Marcus Weathers '22)
 •  All-AAC 3rd Team (Kendric Davis '20, Tyson Jolly '20, Isiaha Mike '20, Feron Hunt '21)
 •  AAC Sixth Man of the Year (Markus Kennedy '15, '16; Ben Emelogu II '17)
 •  NABC Good Works Team Nominee (Semi Ojeleye '16; Jonathan Wilfong '17)
 •  Senior CLASS Award Nominee (Nic Moore '16; Ben Emelogu II '18)
SMU2NBA / Pros Since 2014:Â
- Semi Ojeleye selected 37th in 2017 (picked by Boston)
- Sterling Brown selected 46th in 2017 (picked by Philadelphia, then traded to Milwaukee)
- Shake Milton selected 54th in 2018 (picked by Dallas, then traded to Philadelphia)
- Ben Moore spent 2017-19 with Indiana and San Antonio, played 2021-22 with Memphis Hustle
- Feron Hunt signed a two-way with the New York Knicks (3/18/22), then finished 2022-23 with Birmingham (G League affiliate for New Orleans)
- Jahmal McMurray was picked 21st in the 2019 G League draft by the Northern Arizona Suns (Phoenix)
- Michael Weathers was picked 8th in the 2022 G League draft by the Oklahoma City Blue (OKC)
- Played professionally: Ben Emelogu II, Jarrey Foster, Feron Hunt, Markus Kennedy, Jahmal McMurray, Isiaha Mike, Ben Moore, Nic Moore, Yanick Moreira, Nick Russell, Jordan Tolbert, Marcus Weathers, Michael Weathers
IN THE POLLS: SMU has been ranked or receiving votes in the AP Top 25 and/or the USA Today Coaches Poll in eight of the previous 10 seasons (2013-14 to 2022-23).Â
SMU ATHLETICS LAUNCHES STUDENT-ATHLETE SUCCESS DEPARTMENT: As part of its goal of Shaping Champions and preparing students for life, SMU Athletics announced the creation of a Student-Athlete Success Department for the 2022-23 academic year. This department encompasses all student-development-centered efforts such as Life After Ball, SAAC and community service initiatives. Additionally, it houses NIL Education and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming. Due to a generous donation from Suzanne and Glenn Youngkin, SMU Athletics is able to grow staffing in these critical areas in our support of our student-athletes.
BOLD - BIG OPPORTUNITIES LIVE IN DALLAS: As part of its goal of Shaping Champions and preparing students for life, SMU Athletics proudly announced the addition of its BOLD (Big Opportunities Live in Dallas) Program to its suite of student-athlete development tools, with the goal of helping student-athletes navigate and capitalize on new Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) legislation. BOLD will, among other things, provide SMU student-athletes with the means to navigate the evolving NIL landscape. The BOLD program incorporates INFLCR, a comprehensive NIL education and compliance solution, and campus resources from the Cox School of Business, the Dedman School of Law, and the Meadows School of the Arts. While the acronym BOLD emphasizes SMU's ties to the City of Dallas, the word is also important in its ties to SMU and the University's Brand Promise, which states, "For the bold, curious, and creative, SMU is the comprehensive research university whose enterprising spirit in a vibrant community empowers leaders to tackle grand challenges."
DAVID B. MILLER COURT: On Dec. 5, 2018, SMU named the Moody Coliseum court after David B. Miller, alumnus and current chair of the Board of Trustees. He was a three-year starter on the basketball team and a member of the 1971-72 Southwest Conference Co-Championship team. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Miller and his wife, Carolyn Lacy Miller, have committed over $100 million to SMU, including more than $50 million to the Cox School of Business, $20 million toward the expansion and renovation of Moody Coliseum and $10 million to the ACC Competitiveness Campaign as a member of the First Week Society.
COACHES VS CANCER SUITS AND SNEAKERS WEEK - Jan. 22-28: Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week is a nationwide event when basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause – saving lives from cancer! The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised over $155 million for the American Cancer Society. (SMU also participated in CvC during the home game vs Tulsa on Jan. 20 since the team is on the road for both games this week.)
AAC UNITY WEEK - Together We Stand is Jan. 27 to Feb. 4: The American Athletic Conference is committed to racial equality and continuous development of an environment that embraces and celebrates diversity, inclusion, advocacy, accountability, and education for student-athletes, coaches, conference staff, administrators, and our fans. As a component of our commitment to immediate and ongoing action, The American has established conference-wide "Unity Weeks" where student-athletes will wear special warm-up shirts, signifying their commitment to these principles. SMU's games during Unity Week are at Wichita State on Jan. 28 and at home versus Tulane on Feb. 1.
CHAMPIONS FOR LITERACY GAME (championsforlit.org): This is the 10th straight season SMU has supported Champions For Literacy (formerly Coaching For Literacy), designating the home game against Houston Christian on Dec. 19 as the CFL game at Moody Coliseum for 2023-24. Jonathan Wilfong (SMU '17) and Andrew Renshaw, two then-high school seniors from Memphis, Tennessee, founded CFL in 2012. In partnership with Readers 2 Leaders (readers2leaders.org), proceeds raised from the event go towards funding of effective literacy programs focused on 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 leveraging the unique power of collegiate and professional sports, Champions for Literacy raises money to supports effective local literacy programs and schools focused on educating elementary and middle school students.
CFL Games At Moody Coliseum
1/31/15Â Â Â vs. UCF (W, 75-56)
2/19/15Â Â Â vs. Temple (W, 67-58)
1/30/16 Â Â Â vs. Memphis (W, 80-68)
2/10/16Â Â Â vs. Tulsa (L, 77-82)
12/19/16Â Â Â vs. Stanford (W, 72-49)
1/28/18Â Â Â vs. East Carolina (W, 86-61)
1/2/19Â Â Â vs. East Carolina (W, 82-54)
12/3/19Â Â Â vs. Northwestern State (W, 77-51)
2/17/21Â Â Â vs. Tulane (postponed - weather)
1/12/22Â Â Â vs USF (W, 77-65)
11/19/22Â Â Â vs Evansville (W, 55-47)
12/19/23Â Â Â vs Houston Christian (W, 89-53)
Â