Amber Aniston • December 4, 2024

SMU Dominates Alabama State 101-72 in Non-Conference Blowout

he SMU Mustangs cruised to a commanding 101-72 victory over Alabama State on Tuesday night at Moody Coliseum, improving their record to 7-2 under first-year head coach Andy Enfield. Powered by Kario Oquendo’s season-high 20 points, SMU showcased a balanced offensive attack, with seven players scoring in double figures.


This win marked the third time this season that SMU scored over 100 points, a feat the program hasn’t achieved since the 1992-93 season. Alabama State dropped to 3-5, struggling to match the Mustangs’ depth and efficiency on both ends of the court.


Early Lead Sets the Tone

The Mustangs gained control early with an 11-0 run midway through the first half, capped by three consecutive 3-pointers from Oquendo, Chuck Harris, and Matt Cross. This burst gave SMU a 25-18 lead, which they never relinquished. Despite a brief surge from Alabama State, led by Tyler Mack’s back-to-back 3-pointers, SMU responded with a 13-2 run to close the half, heading into the locker room up 49-39.


SMU’s relentless pace continued into the second half. Yohan Traore opened the period with a dunk, and the Mustangs quickly extended their lead to double digits. Two dominant scoring runs—10-0 and 13-0—put the game out of reach, with SMU leading by as many as 30 points late in the game.


Balanced Scoring and Defensive Dominance

Oquendo led the Mustangs with 20 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting performance, including four 3-pointers. Cross, Harris, and Samet Yigitoglu each added 12 points, while B.J. Edwards and Traore chipped in 11 points apiece. Jerrell Colbert contributed 10 points off the bench, making SMU the first ACC team this season to have seven players score in double figures in a single game.


SMU’s defense was equally impressive, holding Alabama State to 34.8% shooting from the field and just 10 points in the paint. The Mustangs dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Hornets 56-34 and converting 24 second-chance points. Yigitoglu led the effort on the glass, pulling down eight rebounds to go along with his 12 points.


SMU’s fast-break offense also shined, scoring 29 points in transition—well above their ACC-leading average of 15.5 fast-break points per game.


Alabama State’s Struggles

Alabama State showed flashes of potential but ultimately could not keep pace with SMU. Amarr Knox led the Hornets with 17 points, while Shawn Fulcher added 12 off the bench. Despite hitting 13 3-pointers, the Hornets struggled to generate consistent offense, particularly inside, where SMU’s size and defensive pressure were overwhelming.


Alabama State’s six blocks highlighted their defensive efforts, but turnovers and poor shooting from inside the arc limited their ability to mount a comeback. The Hornets’ bench contributed 36 points, with Tyler Mack scoring nine points and grabbing six rebounds.


Postgame Notes and Milestones



  • This was SMU’s sixth game of the season with at least five players scoring in double figures and their second game with six or more players reaching that mark.
  • Matt Cross recorded his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
  • The Mustangs’ 101 points marked their third game this season surpassing the century mark, a program best since 1992-93.
  • SMU’s bench contributed 51 points, continuing their dominance as the ACC’s top bench-scoring unit.


Looking Ahead

SMU will host Virginia in their inaugural ACC game on December 7. The matchup marks a significant milestone for the program, as the Mustangs aim to build on their strong start to the season. Virginia’s disciplined defense will test SMU’s high-powered offense, which ranks among the top 20 in the nation at 86.8 points per game.


Alabama State will look to rebound in their next game against Southern Mississippi on December 5. The Hornets, now 3-5, will need to address their defensive lapses and find more consistency in their offensive sets as they navigate a challenging schedule.


A Promising Start for SMU

SMU’s performance against Alabama State underscored the team’s growth and depth under Coach Enfield. With a balanced scoring attack and a defense that continues to improve, the Mustangs are positioning themselves as a formidable force in the ACC. As they prepare for conference play, SMU’s ability to maintain their offensive rhythm and defensive intensity will be critical in establishing themselves among the nation’s elite programs.

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