PackWBB.com

As the SMU women’s basketball team heads into Reynold’s Coliseum on Sunday for a 6:00 tip-off, PackWBB.com takes a deep dive into the statistics (as of January 5, 2026). What it reveals is a squad with a penchant for defensive disruption, but one that’s still searching for consistent offensive rhythm. With a current overall record of 7-9 (0-4 in conference play), let’s break down the Mustangs’ performance through the lens of their season statistics.

The Overall Picture: Fighting for Every Point

The Mustangs are in a battle for every possession, evident in their scoring margins. They currently average 66.8 points per game, while their opponents edge them out slightly at 68.6 points per game. This results in a tight -1.8 scoring margin, indicating that most of their games are decided by a few crucial plays.

Offensive Efficiency: Room for Growth

From an offensive standpoint, SMU is working to find its most efficient stride:

• The team shoots 39.9% from the field, with opponents holding a slight edge at 40.4%.
• From beyond the arc, SMU connects on 31.5% of its three-point attempts, making an average of 6.0 threes per game.
• At the free-throw line, the Mustangs convert 68.8% of their shots.

While these numbers suggest areas for improvement, individual performances highlight potential:

• Tyi Skinner leads the scoring charge, dropping 13.6 points per game.
• Zahra King follows closely with 13.1 PPG, showcasing efficiency with a team-best 51.3% field goal percentage.
• Paulina Paris is another key offensive piece, adding 11.0 PPG.

Defensive Intensity: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Where the Mustangs truly shine is on the defensive end, demonstrating an aggressive and disruptive style of play:

• SMU averages an impressive 10.9 steals per game, frequently turning opponent possessions into fast-break opportunities.
• They also boast 4.3 blocks per game, indicating a strong presence protecting the rim.
• This defensive pressure often leads to turnovers, with SMU forcing 18.2 turnovers per game from their opponents, creating a positive +0.5 turnover margin.

Leading the defensive efforts are:

• Kyla Deck, a standout with a remarkable 3.8 steals per game.
• Zahra King and Tyi Skinner contribute significantly with 1.7 steals per game each.
• Anaya Brown is a key shot-blocker, averaging 1.2 blocks per game.

Rebounding Battle: A Key Focus Area

One area where SMU faces a consistent challenge is on the boards. The team averages 36.6 rebounds per game, but opponents are securing 40.8 rebounds per contest, leading to a -4.1 rebounding margin. If SMU thinks they can march into Reynolds and walk away with the W, controlling the glass will be crucial for the Mustangs. Good luck with that because NC State leads the league in rebound efficiency!

• Miriam Ibezim leads the team in rebounding, pulling down 6.0 boards per game.
• Sahnya Jah also provides a strong presence on the glass with 5.3 rebounds per game.

Looking Ahead

SMU’s statistics paint a picture of a team that commits to defense, actively creating turnovers and blocking shots. The challenge lies in translating that defensive effort into more consistent offensive production and improving their presence on the glass. To PackWBB.com, this looks to be an NC State blow-out.