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By Dylan Edwards, SMUMustangs.com

DALLAS (SMU) - In Moody Coliseum, things are just different. In a rematch from the season-ending matchup in the NCAA Tournament, this time there was no USC comeback to speak of. The Mustangs dominated No. 14 USC in the second half on their way to a 72-55 victory and the 28-straight win at home.

"If every game was that fun, I'd want to coach forever," head coach Tim Jankovich said. "I'm really proud of our guys. It was an incredible effort. What a second half. I don't know if we've played that well in a big game for a half against a team like that."

It was an emotional rematch for SMU as a team, but especially for the three returning Mustangs from last season. The three played liked it. 

Junior Shake Milton was the catalyst for the Mustangs' offense, leading all scorers with 22 points while also dishing out a game-high nine assists. Senior Ben Emelogu II was also huge for the Mustangs throughout the game, hitting big shot after big shot. Emelogu II finished 4-for-5 from behind the arc and consistently provided a spark when it was needed. Junior Jarrey Foster provided 13 points and was huge on the defensive end, holding USC star Bennie Boatwright to just eight points.

"In Moody, we don't lose," Foster said. "Anytime a team comes in here, we're going to find a way to win and do whatever it takes. This was a big game for us."

The Trojans were able to hurt SMU early on with fast break points, racking up 13 of them in the first half. USC finished the game with 13 fast break points as SMU held the Trojans to their lowest point total of the season. 

USC entered the game as one of the best teams in the nation in limiting turnovers and taking care of the basketball. SMU's defense bothered the Trojans all night, leading to a season-high turnover total.

Given the competition, the Mustangs put together its best offensive performance as a team this season. SMU shot above 50 percent while tallying 16 assists on 27 baskets. The Mustangs shot 50 percent from 3-point range and only turned the ball over 11 times. 

The Mustangs have another ranked opponent up next, traveling across the Metroplex to take on No. 23 TCU on Tuesday at 8 p.m.