SMU Hosts Mississippi State in Early-Season Showdown
Dallas, TX – Southern Methodist University (SMU) will look to make a strong statement on Friday when it hosts Mississippi State, aiming to showcase their potential for a successful season. Senior forward Keon Ambrose-Hylton emphasized the importance of the game: "We want to show not just our fans but the country that we are here to play and get to the tournament."
The Mustangs enter the game with a 4-1 record, having recently secured a commanding 110-69 victory over Prairie View A&M. SMU displayed resilience, overcoming a narrow five-point halftime lead to dominate the second half with a 59-23 surge. Matt Cross starred with a double-double, contributing 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Ambrose-Hylton added 14 points.
Mississippi State, boasting a 4-0 start under head coach Chris Jans, presents a formidable challenge. The Bulldogs are coming off a closer win against Utah, where standout sophomore Josh Hubbard led the team with 23 points, including five three-pointers. KeShawn Murphy also made a significant impact with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Jans noted that facing SMU will present a unique challenge due to their “big-time size,” which his team has not encountered yet this season.
This matchup represents the first meeting between the two programs, with a return game scheduled for the 2025-26 season in Starkville, Mississippi. As both teams aim for a successful season, the game promises to be a critical early-season test for SMU and a chance for Mississippi State to assert its dominance.
The excitement is palpable as the Mustangs prepare to take on the Bulldogs in what could set the tone for their respective seasons.
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