DALLAS (AP) — In what can only be described as a stunning turn of events, the SMU Mustangs engineered a resounding upset over the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, trouncing them 63-51. The ignominy of defeat was punctuated by an unprecedented stretch of futility on the part of the Cavaliers, during which they failed to score a field goal in the final 10 minutes of the contest.
The game was defined by the clutch performance of SMU's Kario Oquendo, who accumulated an impressive 21 points, propelling his team to victory. As the Cavaliers struggled to find their footing on offense, the Mustangs seized the opportunity to make their move.
The stats tell a telling tale of Virginia's woeful performance down the stretch. A paltry 0-for-10 from the floor in the final 10 minutes sealed the Cavaliers' fate, with the Mustangs mercilessly exploiting their opponents' misery to extend their lead.
While Oquendo stole the show with his scoring prowess, it was the collective effort of the Mustangs' defense that made the decisive difference in this ACC showdown. With their stifling defensive strategy, they effectively nullified the Cavaliers' offense, conjuring an embarrassing drought that would haunt Virginia for the remainder of the contest.
As the final buzzer sounded, it became apparent that this triumph would be an unforgettable milestone for the SMU Mustangs in their inaugural ACC season. As for the Cavaliers, they will be forced to confront the lingering specter of this crushing defeat and summon the strength to bounce back from a disappointing performance.
While there's a long road ahead for both teams, the resounding victory over Virginia should serve as a confidence booster for the SMU Mustangs. Having demonstrated their ability to overcome formidable opponents, the possibilities are limitless for this upstart team as it embarks upon the uncharted territories of the ACC.