Jennings' Career-High Leads SMU Past No. 22 Houston
SMU (13-6, 4-2 AAC) defeated No. 22 Houston (13-5, 4-2 AAC) 77-73 in a thrilling AAC matchup. The Mustangs were led by a career-high 27 points from guard Zach Nutall, who also added 5 assists. SMU overcame a 13-point deficit in the second half thanks to a dominant performance from the entire starting lineup, with four players scoring in double figures.
The Cougars, who were ranked No. 22 in the AP Top 25, were led by Tramon Mark's 21 points. However, Houston struggled from the field, shooting just 39.6% overall. They were also out-rebounded by the Mustangs, 35-32.
Key Takeaways
- Zach Nutall's breakout performance: Nutall was on fire from the field, going 9-for-14, including 5-for-7 from three-point range. His ability to create his own shot and distribute the ball effectively was crucial to SMU's victory.
- Resilience and grit: The Mustangs showed great heart and determination, battling back from a double-digit deficit in the second half. This victory demonstrates their ability to compete with top teams in the AAC.
- Strong team effort: SMU's success wasn't solely based on Nutall's performance. The entire starting lineup contributed significantly, with four players scoring in double figures. This balanced attack makes SMU a difficult team to defend.
- A blow to Houston's ranking: The Cougars suffered their second loss in a row, a result that will likely impact their national ranking. However, Houston remains a strong team with the ability to bounce back.
Looking Ahead
This win is a huge confidence boost for SMU, who now sits in third place in the AAC standings. The Mustangs will look to build on this momentum as they continue their conference schedule. Meanwhile, Houston will be looking to regroup and get back on track. Both teams have tough schedules ahead, with several key matchups against top-ranked opponents.
