SMU clinches share of C-USA regular season title with 73-71 win over UTEP

DALLAS – With a down-to-wire 73-71 victory over Texas-El Paso (19-9, 7-8), Southern Methodist (21-7, 12-3) clinched a share of the regular season Conference USA title Sunday afternoon at Moody Coliseum in their last home game of 2012-13. Led by junior forward Akil Simpson, the Mustangs overcame UTEP’s relentless defense to pull out a victory after honoring lone senior Alisha Filmore pregame.

Simpson finished with 19 points and nine rebounds while Keena Mays, a junior transfer from Kansas, contributed 13 plus six rebounds. Filmore was also in double figures with 12 points and six rebounds.

Anete Steinberga led the Miners with 25 points and six rebounds. Three UTEP players scored 10 points: Kayla Thornton, Cameasha Turner and Kelli Willingham. Turner also pulled down 12 rebounds.

SMU can take the C-USA title outright if they win their road contest against Rice on Thursday. UTEP hosts Tulane on Friday.

Stay tuned for a full game recap.