SMU shot an impressive 58.6% from the field. This made it difficult for Notre Dame to keep pace.
Rebounding Dominance
The Mustangs outrebounded the Irish 43-20. This stifled any second chance opportunities.
First Half Onslaught: SMU Sets the Tone
1
Crisp Ball Movement
SMU's ball movement led to high-percentage shots.
2
Suffocating Defense
The Mustangs' defense stifled Notre Dame's offense.
3
Interior Prowess
Strong interior play helped SMU build a commanding lead of 50-25 at halftime.
Oquendo's Explosive Performance
Game High
Kario Oquendo led all scorers with 25 points.
Efficient
Oquendo shot 8-of-10 from the field.
Sharp Shooter
He knocked down three 3-pointers, further showcasing his offensive versatility.
Notre Dame's Second Half Fight
1
Improved Offense
The Irish outscored SMU in the second half.
2
Davis and Sundra
Tae Davis and Gabe Sundra provided a spark.
3
Too Late
The deficit was too large to overcome.
Key Stats Highlight SMU's Dominance
Rebounding Margin
SMU dominated the boards, limiting second-chance opportunities for Notre Dame.
Points in the Paint
The Mustangs punished Notre Dame inside, outscoring them 46-20 in the paint.
Three-Point Woes
Notre Dame struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 10-31 from 3PT.
Burton Held in Check
SMU's defense was exceptional. They held Markus Burton to just 2 points. This was significantly below his average. Burton is a leading scorer.
What's Next for Notre Dame?
The loss highlights a need for more consistency. The Irish must regroup and tighten their defense. They need to establish a stronger offensive identity. Their next game is against Pitt.