Deadspin: Freshman former Euro pro Jakub Szumert leads SMU past Southern in opener

Szumert sets the pace

Szumert, who played professionally in Poland, shot 5 of 6 from the field and made 13 of 14 free throws. Jermaine O'Neal Jr. added 15 points for SMU, while Oziyah Sellers scored 13.

The Mustangs won 85-72, although Southern made 26 field goals to SMU's 23. SMU's advantage at the line was substantial: 32 points to the Jaguars' 12.

SMU answers Southern's rally

SMU led 40-38 at halftime and opened the second half with nine straight points. Jaden Toombs hit two shots in the paint during the stretch, and the Mustangs moved ahead 49-38 with 17:07 remaining.

Southern responded with a 9-1 run to make it 52-49. Szumert answered with a three-pointer and two free throws across SMU's next two possessions, restoring an eight-point cushion.

Late baskets secure win

SMU extended its lead to 67-53 with 9:03 left. Southern's Daniel Dormu and Armonii Benjamin then made consecutive three-pointers, and Dormu later cut the margin to 70-64 with 5:51 to play.

O'Neal hit a three-pointer and Szumert followed with a layup, putting SMU back ahead by double digits. Southern had kept the first half close with 11 steals and 14 points off turnovers.

Southern spreads scoring

Southern had 12 players score. R'Chaun King led the Jaguars with 12 points off the bench, while Dormu added 10. King reached double figures on a layup with 6:22 remaining. The teams opened their seasons against each other in Dallas.