The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

SMUs Tyreek Smith dunks as the Mustangs run up the scoreboard against Memphis in Moody Coliseum.
SMU finds new head coach for men’s basketball
Brian Richardson, Contributor • March 28, 2024
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Mustangs’ fight with Owls ends in draw

Sophomore Eddie Puskarich put the Mustangs on top early with his first goal of the season, but SMU was unable to come away with the win; tying Temple 1-1 Wednesday night at Westcott Field.

“The most important thing when you’re in conference play is to come through games getting points,” Head Coach Tim McClements said. “We would have much rather had three points than one point, but I felt that we played well in the first half. I’m really proud the players came back after the goal in the second half and retook the game at the end.”

Puskarich’s goal came after he intercepted a pass in Temple’s defensive third and nailed a shot from 20 yards out for the lead.

At the end of the first half. SMU held the offensive advantage over Temple ­— outshooting the Owls 6-7.

However, the second half was all Temple. The Owls outshot SMU 12-8 and scored the tying goal in the 68th minute — forcing over time.

Temple senior, Nolan Hemmer, found the back of the net on a rebound off a missed shot from teammate Robert Sagel. The goal was Hemmer’s first in 2013 and Sagel’s first in assist of the season.

Desperate not to let the match slip away the Mustangs upped the intensity in the overtime periods. SMU out shot Temple 5-1 and held a 6-4 edge in corner kicks. The Mustangs finished the match with a 20-19 advantage in shots.

Leobardo Vazquez came off the bench for SMU, but was extremely productive. Vazquez finished the match with four shots and two shots on goal.

Puskarich and Vasquez led the Mustangs with four combined shots on goal.

Senior goal keeper Jaime Ibarra finished the night with eight saves for the Mustangs. Temple’s goalie, Dan Scheck, recorded five saves.

“I really thought we took over the game at the end and generated a number of quality opportunities,” McClements said. “It’s obviously frustrating, but at this point you take away from the game what it gives you and continue to move forward and
get better.”

After Wednesday’s match, the Mustangs are 1-1-1 in conference play and 2-8-1 overall, while the Owls are 0-1-2 in league play and 7-3-2 overall.

The Mustangs travel to Cincinnati Saturday for a 6:00 p.m. CT conference match.

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