SMU Beats Southern 85-72 to Open Season
Jakub Szumert scored 24 points as SMU opened its season with a win over Southern on Monday night.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
SMU defeated Southern 85-72 in the season opener for both teams on Monday night. Freshman forward Jakub Szumert led the Mustangs with 24 points.
Why it matters
The win gives SMU a strong start to a six-game homestand, while Southern's late rally showed it can contend despite the loss.
Szumert shot 5 of 6 from the floor and 13 of 14 from the free-throw line, while Toombs recorded nine points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks for SMU. Southern's 17 steals and King's 12 points off the bench were key contributions in a game that remained close into the second half.
The players
Jakub Szumert
Szumert is a 6-foot-9 freshman forward from Poland who led SMU with 24 points in the season opener.
Jermaine O'Neal Jr.
O'Neal Jr. scored 15 points for SMU in the season-opening win over Southern.
The details
Southern trailed 40-38 at halftime, and SMU opened the second half with an 11-2 run before Southern answered with a 9-1 spurt to pull within 52-49. SMU took the lead for good late in the first half and held on in the final minutes.
Timeline
Monday night (Nov. 2, 2026): SMU defeats Southern 85-72 in the season opener.
Thursday: SMU plays VMI in the second game of a six-game homestand.
Friday: Southern plays at TCU.
The Season Trajectory
Monday's result reverses the outcome of the Nov. 10, 2007 meeting, when Southern overcame an 18-point deficit to beat SMU 75-61. The opener gives SMU an early edge in a series that has produced a memorable comeback in the past.
Fans and fantasy managers tracking Szumert and Toombs should note their early production as both players take on expanded roles. The opener also sets the early tone for SMU's homestand and Southern's road trip to TCU.
The takeaway
Early-season results can shape how teams approach the rest of their schedule, and SMU's strong opener gives it momentum heading into a busy stretch at home.
What happens next
SMU plays VMI on Thursday and Southern plays at TCU on Friday.
Further reading
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