The Southern Methodist Mustangs pulled off a stunning 95-85 upset over the Louisville Cardinals, a team ranked 12th in the NET rankings, 24 spots ahead of SMU's 36th spot. This win is a significant shock, considering Louisville's recent form, where they had won all 5 of their last games, averaging 90.4 points per game and outscoring their opponents by 17.0 points. In contrast, SMU had been inconsistent, going 2-3 in their last 5 games, with an average score of 82-79.8. The Mustangs' 52-point first half, where they shot 62.5% from the field, set the tone for the rest of the game, and they managed to hold off Louisville's late surge. SMU's Jaron Pierre Jr. led the charge with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and some crucial plays in the second half, which ultimately sealed the deal for the Mustangs.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. However, SMU's 43-point second half, although lower than their first-half output, was enough to secure the win, thanks to their strong start. Louisville, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 36 points in the second half, a significant drop from their 49-point first half. Mikel Brown Jr. was the standout performer for the Cardinals, with 29 points and 5 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the team's collective struggles. The Cardinals' recent trend of outscoring their opponents by a significant margin was broken, and they must regroup and reassess their strategy after this loss. SMU, with this win, improves their record to 18-8, while Louisville drops to 19-7. The Mustangs' win also marks a significant upset, considering the Cardinals were on a 5-game winning streak, with an average margin of victory of 17.0 points.
SMU's 52-Point First Half Sets the Tone for Upset
The individual performances of SMU's top players were instrumental in securing the win. Boopie Miller's 23 points and 9 assists were crucial in maintaining the team's momentum, while Corey Washington's 18 points and 5 rebounds provided a significant boost off the bench. For Louisville, J'Vonne Hadley's 14 points and 9 rebounds were notable, but the team's overall performance was lacking. Ryan Conwell's 12 points and 6 rebounds were also not enough to turn the tide in favor of the Cardinals. The stat lines, however, do not tell the whole story, as SMU's players made several clutch plays, including a few three-pointers, to keep Louisville at bay. The Mustangs' ability to adapt and make adjustments on the fly was a key factor in their success.
The CHD Scout prediction had Louisville winning by 2.7 points, but the actual outcome was far from it, with SMU emerging victorious by 10 points.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The discrepancy between the predicted and actual scores can be attributed to several factors, including SMU's ability to capitalize on Louisville's mistakes and their strong team defense. The Mustangs' 52-point first half was a significant departure from their average score of 82 points per game over their last 5 games. Additionally, Louisville's struggles in the second half, where they scored only 36 points, were a major contributor to the upset. The Cardinals' recent trend of outscoring their opponents by 17.0 points per game was broken, and they must reassess their strategy to avoid similar losses in the future.
The implications of this upset are significant, particularly for Louisville, who had been riding a 5-game winning streak and were looking to solidify their position in the tournament rankings. With this loss, the Cardinals' NET ranking may take a hit, potentially affecting their seed line in the tournament. SMU, on the other hand, has improved their record to 18-8 and may have played themselves into the tournament conversation. The Mustangs' recent form, although inconsistent, has shown glimpses of their potential, and this win may be the catalyst for a strong finish to the season. The game was a Quad 1 matchup for both teams, with real consequences for their tournament resumes.
The win for SMU has real consequences for their tournament picture, as they have now improved their record to 18-8 and have a Quad 1 win under their belt. The Mustangs' NET ranking of 36 may also see an improvement, potentially propelling them into the tournament conversation. For Louisville, the loss may drop their NET ranking from 12, potentially affecting their seed line in the tournament. The Cardinals' Quad 1 record will also take a hit, but they still have a strong overall record and a significant margin of victory in their last 5 games. The loss, however, may serve as a wake-up call for the Cardinals, who must regroup and reassess their strategy to avoid similar upsets in the future. With 10 points separating the two teams, SMU has sent a strong message to the rest of the conference, and their win may have real consequences for the tournament landscape.
The Mustangs' ability to pull off the upset can be attributed to their strong team defense and their ability to capitalize on Louisville's mistakes. SMU's 95 points were a significant departure from their average score of 82 points per game over their last 5 games, and their 52-point first half set the tone for the rest of the game. The win also marks a significant milestone for SMU, as they have now beaten a top-15 team in the NET rankings, a feat that may propel them into the tournament conversation. The Mustangs' recent trend of averaging 82 points per game over their last 5 games has been a significant improvement from their earlier performances, and this win may be the catalyst for a strong finish to the season. With 18 wins under their belt, SMU is looking to make a push for the tournament, and this upset may be the turning point in their season. The 10-point margin of victory is a reflection of SMU's strength and resilience, and they want to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.