Preview: Florida State Seminoles at SMU Mustangs

ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in Atlantic Coast Conference play will meet Thursday when the SMU Mustangs host the Florida State Seminoles in a women’s basketball matchup at Moody Coliseum.

The Seminoles (6-13) arrive after a difficult 82-55 home loss to North Carolina on Sunday. Florida State has lost four of its last five games, with its lone win in that stretch a 69-65 victory at Pittsburgh on Jan. 15. Guard Jasmine Shavers has been a consistent contributor, leading the team with 15 points in the loss to the Tar Heels and scoring 18 points in a double-overtime defeat to Virginia on Jan. 4.

SMU (8-11) enters with some confidence after securing an 83-76 road win at Pittsburgh last Sunday. That victory snapped a six-game losing streak for the Mustangs. The performance was fueled by a spectacular outing from guard Zahra King, who exploded for 40 points, three rebounds and three assists. King has been a high-volume scorer, also posting 22 points against North Carolina State and 21 points against Georgia Tech earlier this month.

The game represents a chance for both programs to build a winning streak in league play. Florida State will look to tighten a defense that has allowed 80 or more points in four of its last six contests. The Seminoles’ offense will need to find support beyond Shavers to keep pace.

For SMU, sustaining the offensive efficiency shown against Pittsburgh is key. Beyond King’s scoring, Anaya Brown added 20 points and Grace Hall recorded a double-double with 10 points and seven rebounds in the win. The Mustangs will aim to protect their home court and improve upon a 1-4 record in their last five home games.

The matchup is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this season. Following this contest, Florida State will host Georgia Tech on Sunday, while SMU will prepare to host Miami (Fla.) on the same day.