SMU looks to make one more push for momentum before beginning Atlantic Coast Conference play when it hosts Cal State Fullerton on Sunday afternoon in Dallas.
The Mustangs (10-2) have been idle since a 99-82 win over Central Arkansas on Dec. 21. Boopie Miller scored 23 points while Jaron Pierre Jr. added 21, B.J. Edwards contributed 17 and Samet Yigitoglu had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Mustangs scored 90 or more points for the sixth time this season and shot a season-best 58.8% while improving to 8-0 at home. Both of their losses were to Southeastern Conference opponents (Vanderbilt, LSU).
SMU is led by its three starting guards — Miller, Edwards and Pierre — with one of those players being the team’s leading scorer in every game this season.
“It’s all about efficiency with our guards, and they’ve all improved,” Mustangs coach Andy Enfield said.
Miller, who averages 20.4 points and 6.7 assists per game, said they push each other to lead the team and continue to improve.
“I would definitely say so,” Miller said of being in an inspiring backcourt. “Because we are guards, we are the guys who can score, drive and kick, and pick up on defense.”
The Titans (5-8) are coming off a 94-89 loss at Oklahoma State on Dec. 21. Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro scored 20 points and Landon Seaman added 19 with 13 rebounds. Christian Williams had 18 points, including a 3-pointer that brought the Titans to within 91-89 with 24 seconds to play.
The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for Cal State Fullerton.
The Titans are 1-5 in road games this season.
Cal State Fullerton coach Dedrique Taylor has used the nonconference schedule to prepare his team for the Big West race.
“Anybody could start, anybody could play,” Taylor said of his team. “I think what we’re seeing is the ability to play with multiple guys for as long as we can.”
Joshua Ward leads the Titans in scoring (15.1), rebounding (5.4) and assists (2.8). Seaman adds 14.4 points per game.
–Field Level Media
