DALLAS, Texas – The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men's basketball team battled wire-to-wire against SMU but couldn't overcome the home team, falling 69–58 Thursday night at Moody Coliseum.
The Islanders (1–1) kept the contest tight throughout, trailing by only four at halftime and tying the game late in the second half. However, SMU (2–0) capitalized on its trips to the charity stripe, converting on 11 more free throws than A&M-Corpus Christi. The free-throw gap ultimately proved decisive in tonight's 11-point game.
A&M-Corpus Christi held its own defensively, limiting the Mustangs to 35.6% shooting. However, the Islanders shot just 28.8% overall but stayed within striking distance thanks to a dominant effort on the boards. Senior
Sheldon Williams posted a 14-point, 17-rebound double-double, including nine offensive rebounds that led to several second-chance buckets.
It is the first time an Islander recorded that many boards in a game since the 2022-23 season when Isaac Mushilla pulled down 17 on March 1, 2023 against East Texas A&M (then Texas A&M-Commerce).
Senior
Kam Parker added 12 points and five rebounds, while senior
Mason Gibson hitting a pair of three-pointers to keep the Islanders close. Graduate
D'Avian Houston recorded his second straight game recording five assists as he finished with six points and three blocks as well. It marks both Williams' and Parker's second consecutive double figure scoring game.
The Islanders opened strong, using a 9–0 run to build an early eight-point lead midway through the first half following the lay-in from
Daniel Michelini-Jackson. The inside jumper from
Leo Torbor kept the Islanders ahead at 22-19 and the long-range shot from
Franck Yetna kept a four-point advantage with seven minutes remaining in the half. SMU rallied, though, closing on an 11–0 stretch but only taking a 32–28 lead into halftime after Michelini-Jackson netted the three-point dagger in the final seconds of the first frame.
The second half featured several momentum swings as the Islander played within two possessions through the midway point. Parker drove to the rim and a three-pointer from Houston followed by a Williams putback brought the Islanders within 50–48 with under seven minutes remaining. The Islanders would tie it up at 53-all after the big three from Williams but SMU's composure at the line and a pair of timely threes allowed the Mustangs to pull away late.
The Islanders will remain on the road and head straight to Tarleton where they will face off with the Texans Saturday at 6 p.m.
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