Semi Ojeleye scores 23 points to lead SMU over TCU 74-59

SMU protected the ball and had a season-low five turnovers in a 74-59 win against TCU on Wednesday night.

That was an area of concern for SMU entering the game after TCU had forced opponents into 151 turnovers in its first eight games.

Semi Ojeleye scored 23 points and Shake Milton added 17 points to lead SMU.

"Just played great, how about that for an answer," SMU coach Tim Jankovich said. "If we could have 12 turnovers tonight I would have been thrilled. That was one of our biggest concerns (with TCU) . the truth of turnovers, in my mind, are to be able to play aggressively with a slow mind and making good decisions. We did a great job tonight."

The Horned Frogs (8-1), who lost for the first time this season, led 3-1 a minute into the game before SMU (7-3) went on an eight-point run in the next two minutes and led the rest of the way. The Mustangs are 6-0 at home.

"Opportunity for us to learn from it," TCU coach Jamie Dixon said. "It's our first loss. I think (SMU) learned from their losses, so now we have to go do something about it as we get ready for Saturday."

SMU shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-24 shooting in the second half, and outscored TCU 28-20 in the paint. TCU made six of 22 3-pointers.

Jaylen Fisher scored 10 points, and Kenrich Williams had eight points and 13 rebounds for the Horned Frogs. Vladimir Brodziansky and Alex Robinson added 12 points apiece off the bench.

It was the 191st meeting between the schools, which are separated by 40 miles. SMU leads the series with 106 wins against its former Southwest Conference and Western Athletic Conference rival.

BIG PICTURE

TCU: It was the first loss for Jamie Dixon, who is the only first-year head coach in the program to start 8-0. It was the third time TCU started 8-0, and first time since the 2014-15 team started 13-0.

SMU: The Mustangs are undefeated at home in coach Tim Jankovich's first season. SMU is 38-3 at home since the start of the 2014-15 season and have 20 straight home wins against non-conference opponents at Moody Coliseum.

PRESIDENTIAL

Former President George W. Bush and David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, were in attendance and sat courtside. The George W. Bush Presidential Library is on the SMU campus across the street from Moody Coliseum.

UP NEXT

TCU hosts Wofford (3-6) on Saturday. The Terriers beat Division II Virginia Wise at home on Tuesday.

SMU will try and extend the home winning streak against McNeese State (2-5) on Dec. 14. McNeese State has lost back-to-back games.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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