DALLAS— In the finale of the Southwestern Showdown presented by Engage Telehealth, ACU traveled the short distance to SMU in hopes of handing the Mustangs their first loss of the 2019-20 season. The Wildcats played tough and held the Mustangs below their season scoring average, but SMU came away with the 70-51 win.
It was SMU who got out to the quick start, going up 12-4 early, but the Wildcats were able to fight their way back and cut their lead to one. The Wildcats kept pace with SMU through the first half, trailing by just six points at the half. The teams traded buckets early in the second half, both teams scoring 13 points through the first eight minutes, before SMU broke out a 12-0 run. The Mustangs were able to push their lead to 18, keeping the margin at double digit for the rest of the game.
Key Plays
- SMU opened the game 12-4, with the help of an 8-0 run after the game was tied at 4-4
- Payten Ricks hit consecutive threes early in the first half to cut into the SMU lead.
- After a Damien Daniels jumper gave the Wildcats a brief two-point lead, the Mustangs answered with a three to retake the lead. SMU would not trail again in the game.
- For the second consecutive game the Wildcats had a seven-plus minute scoring drought, but their defensive kept the SMU scoring to a minimum, trailing only 24-19 when they did hit a shot.
- The Mustangs scored the first four points of the second half to push their lead to 10
- A layup from Joe Pleasant cut the SMU lead to five points with 13:40 left in the second half, it was the smallest lead for the Mustangs of the second half
- SMU went on a 12-0 run over six minutes in the second half to push the game out of reach for ACU
Turning Point
SMU used a 12-0 run in the middle of the second half to go up 18 points and put the game just out of reach for the Wildcats.
Stat Pack
- After hitting three three-pointers in the game, Payten Ricks is now second in ACU's DI history for total three-pointers made with 137 for his career
- Joe Pleasant had a career night scoring 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, he also grabbed six boards on the night
- Pleasant was named to the Southwestern Showdown presented by Engage Telehealth all-tournament team, voted on by media members at each game
- The Wildcats had just nine turnovers in the game compared to 14 for the Mustangs
- SMU outrebounded the Wildcats, 33-23
- The Mustangs scored just four bench points
- Hayden Howell put up six points in 11 minutes of action for one of his best performances since returning from injury
Gold Mine
On his team's toughness over the past few games: "I am proud of the way our guys have fought over these last four games. We played three tough road games against some great teams and they never backed down. We showed toughness in the face of adversity at every step and I look forward to building on what we have done so far."
On returning home for a three game stretch: "We have played a tough road schedule so far that has included some quick turnarounds. We have received great support at the home games so far and we hope to see people come out for our game on Dec. 5. We are excited to get the chance to play at home in front of a great crowd, while also giving our guys the chance to rest and recharge for a few days."
Up Next
The Wildcats will have a few days to prepare for their next contest when they host Southeast Missouri State on December 5, as part of the ACU doubleheader for Christmas Slam. The men's team will play at 7:30 p.m. following the women's game at 5:30 p.m. against Tulsa. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
