SMU Mustangs Ride B.J. Edwards’ Hot Hand to Victory Over Wake Forest
Dallas, TX – In a stunning display of offensive prowess, sophomore guard B.J. Edwards erupted for a career-high 24 points, spearheading the SMU Mustangs (14-4, 5-2 AAC) to a convincing 91-79 victory over the visiting Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-7, 3-4 ACC) on Wednesday night. Edwards’ performance, coupled with a strong team effort, proved too much for the Demon Deacons to handle, as SMU secured a crucial non-conference win.
The Moody Coliseum crowd was electric as Edwards showcased his full arsenal, driving to the basket with authority, knocking down contested jumpers, and even contributing on the defensive end with key steals and deflections. His energy was infectious, lifting the entire Mustangs squad and propelling them to a dominant performance, particularly in the second half.
Edwards Leads a Balanced Scoring Attack
While Edwards undoubtedly stole the spotlight, the Mustangs’ victory was a testament to their balanced scoring attack and team-oriented play. Three other Mustangs joined Edwards in double figures, highlighting the depth and versatility of the SMU roster. Senior guard Zhuric Phelps contributed 18 points, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates. Phelps also added 6 rebounds and 4 assists, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game.
Forward Ricardo Wright provided a crucial spark off the bench, adding 15 points and 7 rebounds. Wright’s energy and hustle were instrumental in maintaining the Mustangs’ momentum, particularly during stretches when Wake Forest attempted to mount a comeback. His ability to score in the paint and knock down perimeter shots made him a difficult matchup for the Demon Deacons’ defense.
Rounding out the double-figure scorers for SMU was sophomore forward Samuell Williamson, who chipped in with 12 points and a team-high 9 rebounds. Williamson’s presence in the paint was vital, as he battled for rebounds and provided a physical presence on both ends of the court. His ability to score around the basket and draw fouls helped to keep the Wake Forest defense on its heels.
Wake Forest Struggles to Contain SMU’s Offense
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons struggled to contain the SMU Mustangs’ high-powered offense, particularly in the second half. While they managed to keep the game close in the first half, they were unable to slow down the Mustangs’ scoring surge after the break. The Demon Deacons’ defense had no answer for Edwards’ penetration and outside shooting, and they struggled to contain the Mustangs’ other offensive threats as well.
Wake Forest was led in scoring by junior guard Hunter Sallis, who poured in 22 points. Sallis, a transfer from Gonzaga, showcased his offensive talent and ability to score from all three levels. However, his individual effort was not enough to overcome the Mustangs’ balanced attack and defensive intensity.
Forward Andrew Carr added 16 points for the Demon Deacons, but he struggled to find consistency throughout the game. Carr’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down three-pointers was a key component of the Wake Forest offense, but he was unable to consistently find open looks against the Mustangs’ defense.
No other Wake Forest player reached double figures, highlighting the team’s offensive struggles beyond Sallis and Carr. The Demon Deacons shot just 42% from the field and 30% from three-point range, failing to capitalize on open looks and struggling to generate consistent scoring opportunities.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game remained close throughout the first half, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a significant lead. Wake Forest held a narrow lead for much of the first half, but the Mustangs closed the gap in the final minutes to enter halftime trailing by just two points, 42-40.
The second half was a different story, as the Mustangs came out firing on all cylinders. Edwards ignited the SMU offense with a series of quick baskets, and the Mustangs quickly seized control of the game. A 12-2 run early in the second half gave SMU a comfortable lead, and they never looked back.
Wake Forest attempted to mount a comeback, but the Mustangs responded to every challenge. Edwards continued to score at will, and the Mustangs’ defense tightened up, forcing turnovers and contested shots. A late three-pointer by Ricardo Wright effectively sealed the victory for SMU, sending the Moody Coliseum crowd into a frenzy.
Coach Jankovich Pleased with Team’s Performance
Following the game, SMU head coach Rob Jankovich expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, praising their balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity. “I was really pleased with our effort tonight,” Jankovich said. “We played with a lot of energy and intensity on both ends of the court. B.J. (Edwards) was outstanding, but it was a team effort. We had a lot of guys step up and contribute.”
Jankovich also emphasized the importance of the victory, stating that it was a crucial non-conference win against a quality opponent. “Wake Forest is a very good team, and this was a big win for us,” Jankovich said. “It gives us a lot of confidence moving forward as we continue conference play.”
Looking Ahead
With the victory over Wake Forest, the SMU Mustangs will look to continue their winning ways as they return to conference play. They will face a tough test on Saturday when they travel to face the Memphis Tigers, a perennial contender in the American Athletic Conference. The game against Memphis will be a crucial opportunity for the Mustangs to prove their mettle and solidify their position in the conference standings.
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from the loss as they return to ACC play. They will face a challenging road game against the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, a matchup that will test their resilience and ability to compete against one of the top teams in the nation. The Demon Deacons will need to improve their offensive consistency and defensive intensity if they hope to pull off an upset against the Blue Devils.
Impact on NCAA Tournament Prospects
This win significantly boosts SMU’s NCAA Tournament resume. A victory over a Power Five conference opponent like Wake Forest, even if the Demon Deacons are having a down year, is a valuable addition to their non-conference record. The Mustangs’ strong performance in conference play also strengthens their tournament aspirations. If they can continue to win games and compete at a high level, they will be in a strong position to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament in March.
For Wake Forest, this loss is a setback to their tournament hopes. They needed to secure quality wins in the non-conference portion of their schedule to offset potential losses in the highly competitive ACC. This defeat puts added pressure on them to perform well in conference play and avoid losing ground in the tournament rankings. They will need to string together some impressive wins against top ACC opponents to improve their tournament chances.
Statistical Breakdown
Here’s a statistical overview of the game:
- Score: SMU 91, Wake Forest 79
- Field Goal Percentage: SMU 52%, Wake Forest 42%
- Three-Point Percentage: SMU 40%, Wake Forest 30%
- Rebounds: SMU 38, Wake Forest 32
- Assists: SMU 18, Wake Forest 12
- Turnovers: SMU 10, Wake Forest 14
- Leading Scorer: B.J. Edwards (SMU) – 24 points
- Leading Scorer: Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest) – 22 points
Individual Player Highlights
- B.J. Edwards (SMU): 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
- Zhuric Phelps (SMU): 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
- Ricardo Wright (SMU): 15 points, 7 rebounds
- Samuell Williamson (SMU): 12 points, 9 rebounds
- Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest): 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
- Andrew Carr (Wake Forest): 16 points, 5 rebounds
FAQ Section
What was the key to SMU’s victory over Wake Forest?
The key to SMU’s victory was their balanced scoring attack, led by B.J. Edwards’ career-high 24 points. Four Mustangs scored in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility. Their strong second-half performance and ability to maintain momentum were also crucial factors.
How did B.J. Edwards perform in the game?
B.J. Edwards had an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 24 points. He displayed his offensive skills, driving to the basket, hitting jump shots, and contributing defensively with steals and deflections. His energy and leadership were instrumental in the Mustangs’ victory.
What were Wake Forest’s biggest struggles in the game?
Wake Forest struggled to contain SMU’s offense, particularly in the second half. Their defense had no answer for Edwards’ penetration and outside shooting, and they struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities beyond Hunter Sallis and Andrew Carr. Their shooting percentages from the field and three-point range were also below their usual standards.
What does this win mean for SMU’s NCAA Tournament chances?
This win significantly boosts SMU’s NCAA Tournament resume. A victory over a Power Five conference opponent like Wake Forest is a valuable addition to their non-conference record. Their strong performance in conference play also strengthens their tournament aspirations.
What’s next for both teams?
SMU will travel to face the Memphis Tigers in a crucial conference game. Wake Forest will face a challenging road game against the Duke Blue Devils.
Who were the leading scorers for each team?
B.J. Edwards led SMU with 24 points. Hunter Sallis led Wake Forest with 22 points.
How did SMU perform defensively?
SMU played with good defensive intensity, forcing 14 turnovers and contesting shots effectively. They limited Wake Forest to 42% shooting from the field and 30% from three-point range.
What impact did SMU’s bench have on the game?
Ricardo Wright provided a crucial spark off the bench, adding 15 points and 7 rebounds. His energy and hustle were instrumental in maintaining the Mustangs’ momentum.
How did Wake Forest’s key players perform?
Hunter Sallis scored 22 points, but his individual effort was not enough to overcome SMU’s balanced attack. Andrew Carr added 16 points but struggled to find consistency throughout the game.
What were the key statistics that contributed to SMU’s win?
SMU’s key statistics included a 52% field goal percentage, 40% three-point percentage, and 18 assists. They also won the rebounding battle 38-32 and forced 14 turnovers.
