Preview: SMU Mustangs at Stanford Cardinal PALO ALTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Stanford Cardinal look to build momentum for the postseason when they host the struggling SMU Mustangs in an Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball matchup Thursday at Maples Pavilion. Stanford (17-12) enters the contest coming off one of its most complete performances of the season, a 77-61 road victory over Florida State on Sunday. The Cardinal will rely heavily on forward Nunu Agara, who dominated in that win with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Over her last three games, Agara is averaging 18 points and 9.7 rebounds, providing a consistent interior presence for a Stanford team seeking its 18th win. The Mustangs (9-19), meanwhile, are mired in a difficult season and have lost eight of their last nine games. Their most recent outing was an 88-63 home loss to Notre Dame on Sunday. Guard Ayanna Thompson has been a bright spot during the tough stretch, averaging 13.1 points over her last seven contests. She scored 16 points with seven assists against the Fighting Irish and poured in 17 points in a narrow loss to Wake Forest earlier this month. Stanford’s victory over Florida State showcased a balanced attack, with Courtney Ogden adding 21 points and Lara Somfai contributing 15 off the bench. The Cardinal will aim for similar production against an SMU defense that has allowed an average of 80.3 points in its last three losses. SMU’s last win was a 79-78 nail-biter over Pittsburgh on Feb. 15, a game in which Thompson scored 15 points. Replicating that effort on the road against a Stanford team fighting for postseason positioning presents a significant challenge. The Mustangs have particularly struggled away from home, suffering blowout losses at North Carolina and Duke in February. This game is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this season. Following this contest, Stanford will host Clemson on Sunday, while SMU travels to face California. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST at Maples Pavilion.