For the fifth time in the last six games, Markus Kennedy led the Mustangs in both scoring and rebounding, with 15 points and eight boards in SMU’s 58-46 win over UCF on Saturday.
Not only did the Mustangs pick up their first conference road win, but they also picked up their first road win against UCF in the history of the two programs.
SMU improves to 3-2 in the American Athletic Conference and 13-4 overall.
Perhaps the largest indicator of the team’s success is that it consistently challenges opponents shots and constantly out rebounding its opponents.
SMU held UCF to 31.3 percent from field on Saturday marking the ninth time the Mustangs have held an opponent under 35 percent this season. The Mustangs are currently third in the nation and first in the AAC in FG% defense at 36.3 percent.
The Mustangs also held a 36-34 edge in rebounds, marking the 16th time in 17 games they out rebounded their opponents. SMU’s +9.0 rebounding margin ranks first in the AAC and 11th in the nation.
The 46 points allowed on Saturday by SMU was the lowest opposing score allowed since Feb 9, 2013, when SMU defeated Rice 61-39 on the road. The Mustangs are second in the AAC and 21st nationally in scoring defense, giving up 62.3 points a game. Saturdays victory also marks the sixth time SMU has allowed less than 55 points this season.
Defensively the Mustangs were stingy and offensively they were as efficient as always; shooting 44 percent from the field. SMU’s shooting percentage of 49.2 is first in the AAC and 10th in the nation.
All the pieces came together in the second half, when the Mustangs put together a 19-5 run that led to a 54-39 lead with under 2 minutes left in the game.
UCF struggled to find an source of offense; only Tristan Spurlock managed to reach double figures, scoring 11 points for the Knights.
After dropping their third straight game, the UCF Knights own an overall record of 9-7 and a conference record of 1-4.
SMU’s Nic Moore continued to perform well, turning in 11 points, one assist, and one steal in 27 minutes of work. It was his 14th game in double figures this season.
The Mustangs will host Hofstra on Sunday at 6 p.m. CT at the renovated Moody Coliseum.
