Chantae Embry's scoring can't save SMU from defeat against Florida State
- Chantae Embry scored 22 points in a previous game against Florida State.
- SMU's current season record stands at 5-5 with a loss in their last game.
- The upcoming matchup against Texas Tech is essential for both teams in their respective conferences.
In Dallas, Texas, the SMU Mustangs faced off against the Texas Tech Red Raiders following a challenging game against the Florida State Seminoles. The Mustangs were coming off a 93-85 loss where Chantae Embry notably scored 22 points. As the team geared up to host Texas Tech, their performance at home had been a highlight so far this season, boasting a home record of 5-1. This matchup was crucial since it marked SMU's first significant game in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where they had yet to secure a win at 0-1. The Texas Tech Red Raiders, on the other hand, had been on a solid winning streak, entering the game with a 9-1 record. This also marked their first True road game of the season after achieving a 2-1 record in neutral-site games. The Red Raiders' offensive rebounds were a critical area of focus, ranking fifth in the Big 12, led by Kilah Freelon. With both teams showing significant offensive capabilities, the matchup promised competitive basketball. As both teams prepared to clash, statistics highlighted interesting contrasts. The Mustangs averaged 5.4 made three-pointers per game, which strategically could break through Texas Tech's defense that allowed 4.5. Moreover, Texas Tech's average of 69.5 points per game provided an additional challenge for SMU’s defensive efforts, which had constrained opponents to 65.1. Top performers included Nya Robertson from SMU, who averaged 21.0 points per game, and Jasmine Shavers from Texas Tech, contributing 15.6 points per game, adding a personal rivalry to the matchup. As the teams faced off, the implications of this game extended beyond just standing in their respective conferences. For SMU, it was a critical opportunity to recover from their recent losses and establish themselves in the ACC, while for Texas Tech, maintaining momentum and ensuring a strong performance on the road was essential. Fans eagerly anticipated the outcome, hoping for a strong showing from their teams against tough competitors.