SMU got an early start on its Atlantic Coast Conference schedule.
LSU still has a few games to play before it starts Southeastern Conference play.
The Mustangs (8-2) and the Tigers (8-1) will meet in the Compete 4 Cause Classic on Saturday in Frisco, Texas.
SMU coach Andy Enfield has emphasized the need to play tough defense if his team expects to contend in the ACC, and that effort paid off in the 63-51 victory against visiting Virginia on Dec. 7 to open ACC play.
The Cavaliers didn’t score in the final 2:44 and didn’t make a field goal in the final 10 minutes.
“To win basketball games in the ACC you have to defend, and our players struggled early with that,” Enfield said. “They’re really improved, but we have a ways to go. You have to be able to win games when you don’t shoot well. We tried to tell them you can’t let your offense affect your defense.”
Virginia opened a 45-38 lead midway through the second half before the field-goal drought began. Kario Oquendo led SMU with 21 points, nearly double his season average.
The Mustangs’ return to nonconference play could lead to a higher-scoring game. They’re averaging 88.3 points and allowing 71.8 overall. LSU is averaging 81.8 and allowing 69.9.
The Tigers are adjusting to the loss of leading rebounder and double-digit scorer Jalen Reed to a season-ending ACL injury. In the first full game without Reed, Daimion Collins moved into the starting lineup and had a team-high 18 points and five rebounds in an 80-71 home victory against Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday.
“It’s a bigger responsibility because Jalen was a big part of our team,” Collins said of his role. “We hate to have him out, but I know that I have to step up and do what I have to do to be able to fill in that position for our team.”
Four teammates joined Collins in double figures vs. FGCU as LSU features balanced scoring. Cam Carter (17.3 ppg) leads the way, followed by Jordan Sears (15.2).
–Field Level Media
