The SMU Men’s basketball team recorded impressive numbers in Moody Coliseum Wednesday night, defeating Northwestern State 81-35. The 46-point defeat is SMU’s largest margin of victory since 2015.

At the half, the Mustang defense contained the Demons to only 8 points. The Demons missed 21 consecutive shots. Up 28 points going into the locker room, SMU didn’t lose focus.

“The hardest thing to do to do is play with a big lead, and it’s easy to get real sloppy,” head coach Tim Jankovich said. “We’re playing to be a great team, and great teams play the same way regardless of score. I thought we did a terrific job of that.”

Junior guard Jarrey Foster led the Mustangs with 19 points. Senior guard Ben Emelogu ll recorded 17 points and career-high 9 rebounds. Junior Shake Milton added 16 points. The trio’s 52 combined points led Mustang’s powerhouse offense.

Ethan Chargois’ collegiate debut against UMBC and ULM earned him the American Rookie of the Year weekly honor. Chargois recorded 10 points against NSU.

Joining Chargois on the court for his SMU debut was sophomore Jimmy Whitt. Following his transfer from Arkansas, Whitt sat out his red-shirted season. Now on the court, Whitt is proving to be an asset. Whitt recorded 7 assists against NSU.

“Jimmy has been very unselfish with distributing the ball,” Emelogu said.

The Mustangs will host the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Moody Coliseum at 7 p.m. Saturday night before traveling to The Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” Jankovich said. “This is the beginning of the season, and we can’t afford a half or a game or a week or a practice where we’re not really focused and really serious about getting better.”