SMU press derails UALR momentum; turnovers crush Trojans

BURN THE HORSE


Taggart Lockhart works against the
SMU press
The game’s momentum swung in the first half just after UALR’s 17-0 run put the Trojans up 9-5 with 1:57 before halftime. SMU’s Jeremiah Samarrippas ended the run with a three-pointer, but the Trojans quickly answered with a three-pointer from Ben Dillard for a 22-8 lead. It forced SMU Coach Matt Doherty to call his second timeout of the half. And he made a change in defensive philosophy.

The Mustangs began using a trapping press against UALR and got immediate dividends. Immediately afterward, UALR’s next possessions were:
  • Turnover by D’Andre Williams
  • Turnover by D’Andre Williams
  • Turnover by Will Neighbour
  • Turnover by Will Neighbour
SMU only got to within 22-10 during that stretch, but that was four offensive possessions where UALR didn’t even get a shot. And it came at a time when SMU was on the ropes.

After that, it didn’t get much better. Neighbour did make a couple of free throws before the bizarre offensive foul (flagrant foul) on Tramar Sutherland (which wasn’t credited as a turnover in the official game stats even though it should have been).

After that, UALR possessions were:
  • Turnover by Eric Lawton
  • Turnover by D’Andre Williams
UALR went seven possessions and only scored two points (Neighbour’s free throws). The Trojans still led by 10 points, but SMU had stayed around long enough to get off the ropes.