With only three games left in the season, Athletic Director Jim Copeland has put an end to men’s basketball head coach Mike Dement’s nine year career at SMU.

After the men’s basketball team suffered a 89-50 defeat Thursday night, Copeland announced Dement’s dismissal at a press conference Friday afternoon.

“I appreciate Mike’s efforts while here at SMU,” Copeland stated in a press release. “He has represented the university with class, led us to some solid seasons and has graduated his student-athletes at one of the highest rates in the nation.”

Those achievements did not draw attention away from Dement’s 138-120 record at SMU. Copeland will begin a national search for Dement’s replacement immediately.

Robert Lineburg, who has been an assistant coach with the athletic department for seven years, will take over as head coach for the remainder of the season.

The men’s basketball team, which is currently 10-15 (4-11 WAC), faces UTEP at 7 p.m. on Saturday in Moody Coliseum.