Amber Aniston • January 2, 2025

SMU Holds Off Stanford 67-63 for First ACC Victory

The SMU Mustangs women’s basketball team made history Thursday night with a thrilling 67-63 victory over the Stanford Cardinal, marking their first-ever ACC win. Behind stellar performances from guards Nya Robertson and Zanai Jones, SMU improved to 9-5 overall and 1-1 in ACC play while extending their home winning streak to six games. 



A Strong Start Sets the Tone 

The Mustangs came out firing in the first quarter, racing to a 10-0 lead fueled by Robertson’s hot hand. She drained four three-pointers in the opening frame, scoring 14 points as SMU built a commanding 24-13 lead. Jones added six points in the quarter, contributing to the Mustangs’ 53% shooting from the field. 


Stanford struggled to find their rhythm early, as SMU’s aggressive defense forced turnovers and contested shots. Despite the Cardinal chipping away at the lead in the second quarter, SMU maintained control, heading into halftime with a 35-27 advantage. 


 

Extending the Lead 

SMU came out of the halftime break with renewed energy, opening the third quarter with a 13-0 run to extend their lead to 50-32. Jones was instrumental during this stretch, scoring seven points, including a three-pointer, and orchestrating the Mustangs’ offense with precision. 


The Mustangs dominated the boards, led by center Jessica Peterson, who grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds. Her presence in the paint prevented Stanford from gaining second-chance opportunities and provided SMU with crucial extra possessions. 

 


Stanford’s Late Rally 

Facing an 18-point deficit late in the third quarter, Stanford refused to quit. Sophomore forward Nunu Agara sparked the Cardinal’s comeback attempt with a three-pointer and an and-one layup, cutting SMU’s lead to single digits. Senior Elena Bosgana added her second three-pointer of the game, narrowing the gap to just one point with 16 seconds remaining. 


However, Jones delivered the biggest play of the night. With the game hanging in the balance, she drove through traffic, absorbed contact, and converted a clutch layup to push SMU’s lead to 66-63. TK Pitts sealed the victory by sinking a free throw in the final seconds, as SMU’s defense held Stanford scoreless on their final possession. 

 


Key Performances 

Zanai Jones had a career night, scoring 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting while adding five assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Her poise and decision-making were crucial in helping the Mustangs weather Stanford’s late surge. 


Nya Robertson tallied a game-high 21 points, her seventh 20-point performance of the season. She knocked down four three-pointers and added two steals, continuing her streak of scoring in double figures for 21 consecutive games. 


Jessica Peterson dominated the boards, grabbing 16 rebounds to go along with nine points. Her interior presence was instrumental in SMU’s ability to control the paint. TK Pitts and Chantae Embry also made important contributions, with Pitts adding nine points and Embry pulling down six rebounds, including four on the offensive end. 

 


Stanford’s Bright Spots 

Stanford was led by Nunu Agara, who posted 19 points and 12 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Agara’s late-game heroics nearly turned the tide for the Cardinal, as she scored eight points in the final two minutes. 


Elena Bosgana added 20 points and six rebounds, while freshman Shay Ijiwoye chipped in six points, three steals, and two assists off the bench. Despite their valiant effort, Stanford’s slow start and struggles against SMU’s defensive pressure proved too much to overcome. 


 


Key Takeaways 

SMU’s victory showcased their ability to execute under pressure and their growth as a team under head coach Toyelle Wilson. The Mustangs’ balance of scoring, rebounding dominance, and defensive intensity allowed them to secure a historic win. 


For Stanford, the game highlighted both their potential and areas for improvement. The Cardinal showed resilience in mounting a late comeback but struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses that put them in a deep hole early. 

 


Looking Ahead 

SMU will look to build on this momentum when they host California on Sunday. With their first ACC win under their belt, the Mustangs are poised to make waves in conference play. 


Stanford will continue their road trip with a matchup against Clemson. The Cardinal will aim to regroup and address their early-game struggles as they seek their first ACC victory. 



A Historic Night 

SMU’s 67-63 win over Stanford marked a significant milestone for the program, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level in the ACC. With strong performances from Jones, Robertson, and Peterson, the Mustangs proved they are a team to watch in the conference. As both teams move forward, the lessons from this game will undoubtedly shape their paths in the ACC season.

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