The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
SMU Dominates First Half in 90-65 Win Over Ball State
By Piper Rampage
SMU remained undefeated with a 90-65 victory over Ball State at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas, building a 34-point halftime lead on its way to a 4-0 start. The Mustangs scored 51 points in the opening half while holding the Cardinals to 17.
Oziyah Sellers led SMU with 21 points. David Terrell Jr. added 16 points and seven assists, while Jermaine O’Neal Jr. scored 13. Jaden Toombs contributed 11 points, and all five SMU starters finished in double figures.
The Mustangs took control early, opening the game with a 24-1 advantage. That start included a 21-0 run that created a commanding lead and set the tone for the first half. SMU carried its 51-17 advantage into the break and eventually led by as many as 38 points.
Ball State responded with a 15-0 run in the second half, cutting the deficit to 73-55 with 6:43 remaining. Sean Blake and Trey Lewis each scored 19 points to lead the Cardinals, who fell to 1-3. The second-half push reduced the margin, but Ball State could not erase the gap created before halftime.
SMU finished with a 90-65 victory, improving to 4-0. The Mustangs shot 43.4% from the field, compared with 31.7% for Ball State, and held a 44-32 rebounding advantage. SMU also committed only eight turnovers.
The shooting and rebounding margins helped SMU maintain its advantage after the Cardinals’ run. While Ball State found a stretch of offense in the second half, the Mustangs had built too large a lead for the comeback to change the result.
The matchup was the first meeting between the two programs. SMU’s unbeaten record continued through four games, with the Mustangs receiving double-figure scoring from every starter in the 25-point win.
Piper Rampage
Men’s College Basketball, The Library Media
From The Library — the estate of our family.
