Southern Methodist's high-powered offense was on full display as they dismantled Pittsburgh 86-67 at the Petersen Events Center. Jaron Pierre Jr. led the charge with 21 points and 5 rebounds, while Boopie Miller added 20 points and 9 assists to help the Mustangs secure a crucial Q2 win. The victory marked a strong road performance for SMU, who improved to 16-7 on the season and bolstered their tournament resume.
Jaron Pierre Jr. Scores 21 Points, His 10th Game This Season With 15+ Points
The game got off to a competitive start, with SMU holding a slim 34-32 lead at halftime. However, the Mustangs exploded in the second half, outscoring Pittsburgh 52-35 to pull away for the 19-point win. Cameron Corhen was one of the few bright spots for Pittsburgh, scoring 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of SMU. Barry Dunning Jr. chipped in with 12 points and 7 rebounds for the Panthers, while Nojus Indrusaitis added 10 points.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had SMU winning by 11.2 points, and while the margin was larger than expected, the Mustangs' victory was never in doubt. The 19-point win marked a significant statement for SMU, who continues to build momentum in the conference. Samet Yigitoglu was also impressive for the Mustangs, scoring 15 points and grabbing 8 rebounds to help control the paint.
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Final
The win was a Q2 victory for SMU, which will undoubtedly help their tournament chances. With a current net ranking of 34, the Mustangs are solidifying their position as a tournament contender. On the other hand, Pittsburgh's loss drops them to 9-15 on the season, and while this was a Q2 game for the Panthers, the defeat won't help their already slim tournament hopes.
As the season enters its final stretch, SMU's performance will be closely watched by tournament selectors. With a strong road win like this, the Mustangs are making a compelling case for a spot in the big dance. The combination of Pierre Jr.'s scoring prowess and Miller's exceptional playmaking abilities makes SMU a formidable opponent, and their depth was on full display against Pittsburgh.
The Mustangs' impressive road win will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they head into the final weeks of the regular season. With their tournament resume continuing to grow, SMU is poised to make a deep run in the conference tournament and potentially beyond. For Pittsburgh, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in the competitive conference landscape.