SMU men’s basketball was the last Division I team to lose this season, breaking their 18-game undefeated streak. After losing to Temple University, 89-80, the Mustangs no longer have a perfect run, but they are still one of the nation’s favorite underdog teams.
Despite NCAA sanctions banning SMU from postgame season, Larry Brown’s nine-game suspension and with junior guard Keith Frazier’s recent leave from the team, SMU is currently ranked No. 8 on ESPN’s 2016 Polls & Ranking list.
Thus, looking at the brighter side of things, in chronological order, here are 18 highlights and memorable moments from SMU’s winning games so far in the 2015-2016 season.
1. When SMU started off the season with a big win against Sam Houston State University, winning 85-50.
2. SMU beat a string of top-tier universities in a row: Stanford, Yale and Brown during the month of November.
3. SMU defeats long-time rival TCU, 75-70.
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4. SMU crushes New Hampshire 98-44.
5. During the SMU v. New Hampshire game SMU Mustangs guard Shake Milton has a breakout game with multiple points and assists.
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6. Despite doubt from commentators, SMU wins against Michigan by large 82-58.
7. Head coach Larry Brown returns after his nine-game suspension Dec. 18 in time for the upcoming Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic tournament.
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8. SMU plays in the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic host rounds against Nicholls and Hampton and wins, bringing them to the semi-finals.
9. SMU wins against Kent State in the semi-finals.
10. The Mustangs are crowned the 2015 Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic champions after beating Colorado 70-66.
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11. Jordan Tolbert (#23) is named to the all-tournament team after defeating the Colorado Buffaloes at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
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12. SMU defeats Tulsa during the last game of the 2015 year, 81-69.
13. To start off the 2016 year, SMU plays USF at Moody Coliseum. This is Larry Brown’s first game at home since the NCAA sanctions.
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14. The Mustangs win by large against USF, 72-58.
15. SMU plays against Cincinnati with only seven scholarship players after Keith Frazier leaves and Sterling Brown is ejected for leaving the bench.
16. Within the final 3 1/2 minutes of the game, SMU rallies from a seven-point deficit to win 59-57.
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17. SMU continues its winning streak defeating UCF, East Carolina and Tulane.
18. The SMU Mustangs prove that Dallas is the better city, defeating Houston by a close four points, 77-73.
Courtesy of USA Today Sports