Smu Mustangs vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders Picks and Predictions November 6th 2025
SMU Mustangs vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders Betting Preview
The SMU Mustangs look to improve defensively as they return home to face the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on Thursday night. SMU’s offense impressed in its season opener, but coach Andy Enfield emphasized better perimeter defense and fewer fouls after a 96-76 win over Tarleton State. The Islanders dominated Trinity in their opener, pulling away in the second half with sharp three-point shooting.
Line Movement and Odds
According to the college basketball odds page, SMU is favored by 22.5 points. The total is 156.5, with the Mustangs sitting at -8000 on the moneyline and the Islanders at +2100. Both teams enter 1-0 after strong offensive showings.
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Matchup Breakdown
SMU Mustangs Outlook
SMU opened its season with elite shooting, hitting 56 percent from the field and 88 percent from the line. Jaron Pierre Jr. came off the bench for 21 points, while B.J. Edwards and Boopie Miller added 20 each. Despite the offensive explosion, SMU allowed Tarleton to shoot nearly 50 percent in the first half and reach the line 35 times. Enfield has made defensive discipline the focus in practice this week.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders Outlook
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi pulled away late in its opener, outscoring Trinity 52-25 in the second half. Mason Gibson led with 19 points on five made threes, and Daniel Michelini-Jackson added 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists. The Islanders play through ball movement and rebounding, with forwards Sheldon Williams and Jamal Ambrose giving them inside presence. Head coach Jim Shaw’s squad now faces a major jump in competition, with road trips to SMU, Kansas, and Oklahoma State over the next two weeks.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
SMU’s guards hold the advantage in spacing and speed, but the Islanders’ size and rebounding could slow the tempo. If SMU avoids foul trouble and maintains pressure defense, it should control the game. The Islanders must limit turnovers and dominate second-chance points to stay within range.
UTSA Roadrunners
South Florida Bulls
Georgia Southern Eagles
Appalachian State Mountaineers
Houston Cougars
UCF Knights
Injury Report
SMU: No reported injuries.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi: No reported injuries.
Environment
Moody Coliseum in Dallas provides a strong home-court advantage for SMU, with a high-tempo playing surface and comfortable shooting backdrop. The Islanders face their first road test of the year, transitioning from a home opener against a Division III team to a major-conference environment.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Score: SMU 89, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 73
- Texas A&M-Corpus Christi +22.5
- Over 156.5
SMU’s defense remains a work in progress, which gives the Islanders room to cover. Both teams play fast and shoot efficiently, making the over an appealing angle.
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