SMU wins in Houston

HOUSTON (AP) – Papa Dia scored 27 points and SMU won at Houston for the first time in more and a decade, 65-51 Wednesday night.

Robert Nyakundi added 16 points, and the Mustangs (16-7, 7-4 Conference USA) never trailed in posting their first victory in Houston since Nov. 27, 1999.

Maurice McNeil scored 14 points and Darian Thibodeaux had 12 for the Cougars (12-12, 4-7), who have lost six of seven.

SMU shot 62.5 percent in the first half and took a 39-32 lead into the break.

Houston kept it close until midway through the second half when the Cougars went on a scoring drought that lasted more than 8 minutes.

The Mustangs led 50-47 with 9:18 to play before pulling away with a 15-0 run.