Tulsa 67 - SMU 92 (1/1/23)
Samuell Williamson finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds & 6 assists.
SMU kicked off the new year and American Athletic Conference play against Tulsa Sunday afternoon. While most people were hungover from a late night enjoying the libations and delights of New Years Eve - it felt as if the Mustangs were suffering from the same effects.
5 minutes into the game and it was apparent SMU was playing at a zombie pace while Tulsa showed hustle and hit its early 3 pointers. At the 10 minutes mark SMU was trailing Tulsa 17 - 15. The Mustangs were playing slow and sloppy which was reminiscent of the 1st half of the Iona game. SMU was still close but visually it didn’t feel that way. Mustangs were shooting about 33% from the field at the time.
A couple of timeouts later and SMU shook off the slumber it started the game in. By the time we got to half SMU tightened up and secured the lead 43 - 36. SMU was now shooting 50% from the field, 53% from 3 point range with 14 assists. Unfortunately, 8 minutes into the game Zhuric Phelps appeared injured, left the game and never returned from the bench in visible pain. Going up for a layup a Tulsa offensive player landed on Phelps’ foot - no injury diagnosis.
With Phelps seemingly out for the game that offered an opportunity for Senior Forward Samuell Williamson to get his shots up and help wake up the offense. Williamson was clearly playing with a different motor Sunday afternoon. Could it have been because his girlfriend, star volleyball player for the National Championship runner-up Louisville Cardinals was in the stands? I can’t say with 100% certainty that is why Williamson had his best game of the season but I will say I hope she joins us for many more SMU basketball games. Williamson was outstanding finishing the game with 17/7/6.
Coach Lanier is becoming a great second half coach because the Ponies came out with an energy that we were afraid stayed on the islands of Hawai’i. Williamson and Nuttall leading the way getting the rest of the Mustangs up and runnin’ with them. SMU eventually having its largest lead of 27 points with full command of the game in the 2H. The Mustangs end the game dribbling out the clock winning the game 92 - 67. Samuell Willamson and Zach Nuttal both finished with 17 points each.
SMU travels to Houston on Thursday 1/5/23 to face off with conference rival the University of Houston Cougars who are #2 in the DDSN 24 Pack Rankings. SMU will not have the liberty of sleep walking in the 1H against these Cougars who never start off a game slow. Houston will be in the Mustangs face from tip off until they leave the gym. Thursday we will see what the Mustangs are made of - can’t wait!
