Hempstead, NY (Sports Network) - Nick Russell scored a game-high 20 points and
dished out seven assists, as the SMU Mustangs claimed a 73-47 win over the
Hofstra Pride in non-league play at the Mack Sports Complex.
The Mustangs (8-1) nearly had three players post double-doubles in the
victory. Jalen Jones finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Shawn
Williams tallied 10 points and 10 boards. Cannen Cunningham came up just short
of a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Stevie Mejia scored 11 points and Taran Buie added 10 points and seven boards
for the shorthanded Pride (3-5). Hofstra was playing its first game without
suspended players Shaquille Stokes, Jimmy Hall, Kentrell Washington and Dallas
Anglin, who were arrested this week on burglary charges.
The impact of their absences was apparent from the start, as Hofstra shot just
21.9 percent from the floor in the first half, including a 2-of-11 effort from
the perimeter while SMU grabbed a 31-19 halftime lead.
The Mustangs put the game away with a 59.3-percent shooting effort in the
second half. In fact, SMU made more field goals in the second half (16) than
Hofstra made for the game (15).
SMU enjoyed a 49-37 rebounding advantage and outscored Hofstra in the paint,
32-14.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network