Defense falters for Bulls in loss at SMU

DALLAS — USF got off to a fast start Wednesday night against SMU but saw the Mustangs heat up in the second half to pull away, 77-65.

The Bulls (5-10, 0-3 AAC) posted their second-best shooting percentage (48.1) of the season, but they also allowed their second-highest opponent shooting percentage (50.9). The Mustangs (12-4, 3-1) went 6-of-12 from 3-point range in the second half, including making five straight at one point.

SMU also had a 20-2 advantage in fastbreak points against a normally strong USF defense.

Jamir Chaplin matched his season high of 17 points for the second straight game to lead the Bulls. Russel Tchewa added 14 and pulled down a team-high six rebounds, and Caleb Murphy scored 12 on 6-12 shooting.

USF led 11-2 after five minutes and led by nine once again with 5:30 left in the first half. SMU closed the half on a 9-2 run for a 37-33 halftime lead and never trailed in the second half.

Leading 57-51 with 9:58 left, the Mustangs went on a 12-point run to put the game out of reach. USF closed out the game on an 11-2 run, including nine points from Serrel Smith.

The Bulls return home after a two-game road trip to host UCF at 7 p.m. Saturday.

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