DALLAS —-SMU women's basketball is only two games into its second season under coach Adia Barnes, but the Mustangs are already developing an identity that's difficult for opponents to handle.

Defense, rebounding and relentless pressure have fueled a 2-0 start, and SMU will try to keep that momentum rolling Sunday when East Texas A&M visits Moody Coliseum for a 6 p.m. tipoff.

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The Mustangs are coming off a 66-54 victory over Hampton, highlighted by a remarkable performance from Charleston transfer Grace Ezebilo.

Ezebilo dominated inside, finishing with 18 points and 19 rebounds for her 10th career double-double. Her rebounding total tied for the ninth-most in a single game in SMU history and helped the Mustangs collect 54 boards, their highest total since 2019.

That's the kind of production Barnes envisioned when she rebuilt her roster through the transfer portal.

And Ezebilo isn't carrying the load alone.

Pitt transfer Theresa Hagans Jr., a former ACC All-Freshman selection, leads SMU with 12.5 points per game, while Ezebilo averages 11. Freshman Shania James has provided an immediate offensive spark, contributing nine points per contest.

But the biggest reason for optimism might be what's happening defensively.

SMU is surrendering just 45 points per game through its first two outings. The Mustangs forced 28 turnovers and collected 18 steals in their season-opening victory over Le Moyne, holding the Dolphins to just 36 points.

They've also been outstanding on the glass.

SMU grabbed 24 offensive rebounds against Le Moyne and followed with 23 against Hampton, giving the Mustangs consecutive games with at least 20 offensive boards.

French forward Adja Kane has been another major contributor, recording seven blocked shots through two games, including four against Hampton.

The roster's depth is beginning to show, too.

Camille Nesmith has already recorded a four-steal performance, while Elise Hill returned from injury to hit four 3-pointers in the opener.

Now comes another opportunity to build confidence.

East Texas A&M enters Sunday's contest 1-1 after falling 66-58 at Cincinnati. The Lions haven't beaten SMU in 14 previous meetings, including eight losses at Moody Coliseum.

The Mustangs haven't started a season 3-0 since 2023-24, making Sunday's game an early opportunity to reach a milestone.

SMU is averaging 69 points and 50 rebounds per game, numbers that suggest Barnes' rebuilt roster has the physical tools to compete.

The challenge will be maintaining that intensity as the competition gets tougher.

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Sunday's matchup will air on ACC Network Extra.

For the Mustangs, a third consecutive victory would be another encouraging sign that Barnes' second season is beginning to take shape.

Source: Yahoo Sports