SMU Routs Notre Dame in South Bend, Extending Irish Basketball Woes

Kario Oquendo scored 25 points for the Mustangs as SMU dominated Notre Dame 97-73 in a game that was never competitive. SMU improved to 6-1 on the road in their first season in the ACC. Notre Dame's defense was a no show as SMU (20-6, 11-4) shot an impressive 72% in the first half.

The Mustangs quickly built a 25-5 lead through a 9-0 and 10-0 run, leading 50-25 at halftime. For all intents and purposes, the game was over before the intermission.

For SMU, Oquendo was perfect in the first half, scoring 15 points on 6-of-6 shooting, including two 3-pointers and a free throw.

Braeden Shrewsberry led Notre Dame (11-15, 5-10) with 12 points in the first half, but the Irish struggled, shooting just 32% and committing eight turnovers.

In the second half, SMU’s lead remained at 25 points five minutes in, with Yohan Traore contributing two three-point plays in a 9-0 run that pushed the score to 72-38 with 11:40 remaining. Notre Dame’s closest margin was 90-69 with 3:30 left.

Matt Cross added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Samet Yigitoglu also scored 14. Chuck Harris contributed 11 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. SMU shot 59% for the game and outrebounded Notre Dame 43-20.

Shrewsberry finished with 21 points for Notre Dame. The Irish, who have lost five of their last six, will host Pittsburgh on Saturday, while SMU will face No. 18 Clemson.

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