SMU and Iona tipped off 12/22/22 in Hawai’i of the 1st game of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. Prior to tip-off the Iona Gaels were 9.5 point favorites while winning five of its last six. The Mustangs of SMU had been trending in the opposite direction losing five of its last six.

SMU started the game off strong with eight quick points but Iona’s Daniss Jenkins from Dallas, Texas also started the game hot hitting 3/3 from three point range. Iona was all over SMU defensively with aggressive defense and menacing full court press. At the 11:39 mark in the 1st half the Gaels had a 20-18 point lead but it felt much larger due to the vast difference in hustle compared to SMU. The Mustangs struggles were apparent with 10 turnovers having plenty of trouble just getting the ball across mid-court even though the team was shooting over 60%. SMU kept the game close by winning the rebounding battle but Iona was winning the hustle and 3PT battle by shooting 72% from long range. The Mustangs were only down nine at half 58-49 but SMU’s struggles all season have been in the 2nd half, tending to get blown out in games against better competition.

In the 1st half SMU’s big Efe Odigie was not getting the job done so coach Lanier subbed in Keone Ambrose-Hylton to start the 2H and the game done changed for the Mustangs. SMU was getting steady point production from guards Zach Nutal & Zhuric Phelps but Ambrose-Hylton was the missing piece. The Ponies began to match the hustle and energy of the Gaels to begin the 2H by beating the press, taking advantage of easy buckets they were not in the 1H. SMU still could not close the gap due to the 3PT shooting of Iona. The Gaels continued to shoot 67% from deep. With SMU’s new found aggressiveness the ‘stangs went on a 23-6 run with all the momentum on the big island. Keon Ambrose-Hylton was noticeably running the floor with a high motor that was missing in the 1H - he did not stop. Rick Pitino calls a timeout when SMU took a 77-72 point lead. The Mustangs continued to play with its new found energy. SMU closed the game by dribbling the ball out smiling ear to ear with its 85-81 victory.

SMU advances to the next round to face a powerful one loss Utah State Aggies team 12/23/22 at 6pm ct. Head Coach Lanier did a great job coaching in this one and it was evident throughout the game. SMU cut down the turnovers and began playing Iona’s game better than they were. The Ponies played with a vigor we have not seen all season in the 2H and it should be attributed to Keon Ambrose-Hylton’s motor that clearly changed the game. Can’t wait for Game 2 vs. Utah State.