DALLAS (AP) — Ben Emelogu hit two 3-pointers and made the tiebreaking free throw in the game-deciding 15-0 run for No. 25 SMU, which beat No. 11 Cincinnati 60-51 on Sunday to end the Bearcats' 15-game winning streak.
The big spurt for the Mustangs (22-4, 12-1 American) came after Cincinnati had scored 12 in a row in a 2 1/2-minute span soon after halftime to regain the lead.
SMU, finishing its first week this season as a ranked team, has won 18 of its last 19 games. The only loss in that span, and since November, was 66-64 at Cincinnati on Jan. 12.
Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye had 18 points to lead SMU while Sterling Brown had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Shake Milton and Emelogu each had 11 points.
Jacob Evans had 15 points to lead Cincinnati (22-3, 11-1), while Kevin Johnson had 13 and Kyle Washington 11. Gary Clark had 12 rebounds.
Johnson had a steal and a breakaway two-handed slam before Washington's basket put the Bearcats up 40-31.
SMU then got even on 3s by Emelogu, Ojeleye and Milton and went ahead to stay on Emeolgu's free throw before he added another 3 in the spurt.
The Mustangs are 15-0 at home this season and have won 19 in a row at Moody Coliseum, where the crowd Sunday included former President George W. Bush and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Big picture
Cincinnati: Even though the Bearcats suffered their first loss since Dec. 10 at then-No. 16 Butler, they are well on their way to another NCAA Tournament. The American Athletic Conference title is still very much in play with three weeks left in the regular season.
SMU: It seems like many people forgot about SMU when Larry Brown unexpectedly decided last summer to leave the Mustangs. But the Mustangs have overcome a short bench and been impressive under coach Tim Jankovich, who was Brown's top assistant. SMU has held 19 consecutive opponents to 66 points or less. Like Cincinnati, the Mustangs should be playing in the NCAA Tournament next month.
Up next
Cincinnati: On the road again Wednesday to play at last-place USF (1-12 AAC), which the Bearcats beat by 41 at home on Jan. 29.
SMU: Stay home to play Tulane, which is 1-11 in AAC play.
