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By Dylan Edwards, SMUMustangs.com

DALLAS (SMU) - In the first game back at Moody Coliseum in nearly two weeks, SMU (8-3) grabbed an early lead and coasted down the stretch against New Orleans (2-6), on its way to a 79-66 victory on Wednesday night.

SMU's strong offensive production came from multiple places with all five starters finishing the game with double-digit points. All five were extremely efficient as well, with each shooting 50 percent or better.

As a team, the Mustangs finished 54 percent from the field, including knocking down 11-of-22 shots from 3. SMU registered an assist on 24 of its 29 baskets. The Mustangs consistently found the best shot, leading to the big offensive night.

Sophomore Jimmy Whitt led the way by dropping in a career-high 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting. The Privateers struggled to slow down Whitt slashing inside and pulling up around the paint. Whitt also added eight assists and six rebounds to go with his efficient scoring.

The Mustangs led by as much as 15, but the Privateers used hot shooting from 3-point range to keep SMU from ever opening up a larger lead. New Orleans hit 8-of-15 shots from behind-the-arc.

The Mustangs never trailed in the game and the score was tied for just 46 seconds.

The win tonight was the first game in a five-game homestead for the Mustangs. The win tonight improved its win streak at Moody Coliseum to 29 games. Up next is Boise State, who snapped Oregon's 46-game home winning streak earlier this season. The Broncos are receiving votes in both polls.