DALLAS, Texas – Southern University men's basketball opened the 2026-27 season Monday night, battling throughout the contest before falling to SMU, 85-72, at Moody Coliseum.
The Jaguars showed plenty of fight against the Mustangs, overcoming an early double-digit deficit and putting together an impressive run in the first half. Southern continued to compete throughout the night, using its depth and defensive pressure to create opportunities and keep the contest within reach.
After trailing by as many as 14 points in the opening half, Southern responded with an extended run behind its defensive effort and balanced scoring. The Jaguars eventually took a 34-31 lead following a layup by Daniel "DJ" Dormu with 3:49 remaining before halftime. Southern went into the locker room trailing by just two, 40-38.
R'Chaun King led the Jaguars with 12 points and six rebounds, providing a strong presence inside. Dormu added 10 points and seven assists, while Malik Ferguson contributed nine points, including a pair of three-pointers. Justin Page and Karez Demory each finished with eight points.
Southern's bench provided a major spark, accounting for 57 of the team's 72 points. The Jaguars also finished with 17 steals and converted 25 points off turnovers, demonstrating their ability to create defensive pressure and turn those opportunities into offense.
SMU began to create separation early in the second half, extending its advantage to 11 points. However, Southern continued to fight back. A three-pointer from Julian Greer and baskets from Ferguson and King helped the Jaguars cut into the deficit, bringing the score to 49-52 with 13:25 remaining.
The Jaguars continued to apply pressure down the stretch, cutting the margin to six points, 64-70, following a three-pointer from Dormu with 5:51 remaining. SMU responded with timely baskets and free throws to maintain its advantage and secure the 85-72 victory.
GAME NOTES
- Southern shot 44 percent (26-of-59) from the floor, 38 percent (8-of-21) from the 3-point line and 80 percent (12-of-25) from the free-throw line
- The Jaguars grabbed 26 rebounds, with 17 coming on the defensive glass
- R'Chaun King finished with 12 points and six rebounds
- Daniel "DJ" Dormu registered 10 points and seven assist
- Southern finished with 57 bench points, 28 points in the paint, 25 points off 21 Mustangs turnovers, 16 second-chance points and 11 fast break points
- SMU went 23-of-45 from the floor (51.1 percent), 7-of-17 (41.2 percent) from 3-point line and 32-of-40 (80 percent) from the charity stripe
- The Mustangs grabbed 33 rebounds, with 24 coming on the defensive end
- Jakub Szumert contributed 24 points and seven rebounds
- Jermaine O'Neal Jr. added 15 points
- Oziyah Sellers finished with 13 points
- SMU finished with 26 points in the paint, 25 points off 18 Jaguars turnovers, 17 fast break points, 15 bench points and five second chance points
UP NEXT
Southern will travel to TCU for a Friday night matchup at 7:00 pm on ESPN+.
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