Mays scores 33 to lead SMU past SFA (with VIDEO)

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Mays Scores 33 As SMU Wins Fifth Straight At Home 71-62 Over SFA
Junior transfer tied for ninth in a game with most points since 2001

Dec. 19, 2012

DALLAS (SMU) - Keena Mays scored 33 points in 34 minutes to lead SMU to a 71-62 win over Stephen F. Austin in Moody Coliseum Wednesday night. The Mustangs improved to 8-2 on the season, winning their fifth straight home game behind Mays' second straight game with at least 20 points, becoming the first player since Delisha Wills had back-to-back 20-point games in December 2010, and 33 points, tied for ninth in a game, is the most by a Mustang since D-dra Rucker had 33 on Jan. 28, 2001.

The junior transfer was 12-of-22 from the field with five 3-pointers and four free throws in her second game in over a year. She also had seven rebounds with two steals and two assists. Akil Simpson also had 13 points with nine rebounds in the win.

Stephen F. Austin (4-6) scored the first five points of the game and led 7-4 before the Mustangs went on an 11-0 run to take a 15-7 lead with 12:44 left in the first half. The Ladyjacks cut the lead to one, 28-27 with 2:24 left in the half, but Mays answered with a 3-pointer and then converted the and-one after a jumper to score six points in 23 seconds and give SMU a four-point lead at halftime, 34-30.

SFA took the lead back with 14:30 left in the second half, 43-42, but it lasted barely more than a minute. Simpson stole the ball and scored a fastbreak layup to give SMU the lead for good. The Ladyjacks kept it close, keeping the game within two possessions until the Mustangs went on a 7-0 run, getting five points from Mays, to stretch a 59-56 lead to a 66-56 lead with 3:37 left to play. SMU didn't let the Ladyjacks within eight points the rest of the way, winning 71-62.

It was the fifth straight game and sixth time this season the Mustangs scored at least 70 points, a total SMU reached just four times last season. The Mustangs take on Wichita State Saturday at noon in Moody Coliseum.

[Junior]

Great game!

[Silk]

Coach couldn't answer honestly when asked about Mays winning Player of the Week, for political reasons, but the question was a good one. She should have it wrapped up already, with a game to go. I'm going to try to get over to Dallas soon to see this kid play.

[Peruna88]

Coach couldn't answer honestly when asked about Mays winning Player of the Week, for political reasons, but the question was a good one. She should have it wrapped up already, with a game to go. I'm going to try to get over to Dallas soon to see this kid play.

You should come over Saturday. Mays is worth driving over to see. The kid can score! Fun to watch.