Boatwright, Melton Lead USC Over SMU, 78-73

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bennie Boatwright scored a season-high 17 points and De'Anthony Melton added 15 to lead Southern California to a 78-73 victory over SMU on Friday night.

Boatwright made 4-of-7 3-pointers and Jonah Matthews scored 14 points for the Trojans.

USC (5-0) improved to 5-1 all-time against the Mustangs and shot 49.1 percent from the field.

Melton scored nine points during a 19-4 run — capped by Melton's 3 — that gave USC a 51-41 lead with 10:56 to play.

SMU cut the score to 74-68 with 1:15 to play following a steal and layup by Shake Milton but would get no closer.

Ben Moore led SMU with 14 points. Semi Ojeleye added 13 while Milton and Sterling Brown each scored 12.

The Trojans took a 19-14 lead following a 3-pointer by Shaqquan Aaron at the 9:39 mark. The Mustangs battled back and took a 22-21 lead before USC took a 28-27 lead into the break.

BIG PICTURE

SMU: With five players averaging double figures and the Mustangs having led the American Athletic Conference in shooting percentage for the last 3 seasons, SMU figures to finish higher in conference than middle of the pack as predicted.

USC: USC has four starters averaging in double figures and its four freshmen are contributing. For the second consecutive season, the Trojans open the season at 5-0. The Trojans are one of four Pac-12 teams still undefeated.

UP NEXT

SMU: The Mustangs continue their two-game road trip at Boise State before returning home to open a six-game home stand.

USC: The Trojans wrap up their six-game home stand against UC Santa Barbara on Sunday.

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