SMU went into Orlando looking to win its first Conference USA game of the season. Only one thing stood in the way: the Central Florida Golden Knights.

The Golden Knights came into the game a perfect 8-0 and showed why Wednesday night.

The Mustangs played from behind for almost the entire game. The final time the Mustangs held the lead was at 16-15 with eight minutes left in the first half.

The Mustangs’ shot 37 percent from the floor, the worst performance since the 33 percent average in the 57-56 loss to Southern Miss.

Bamba Fall earned his fourth start of the season while Donatas Rackauskas nursed an injury. Fall earned the start with standout performances in his last two games, including a double-double against Houston. He scored seven points, blocked three shots and led the team with seven rebounds.

Brian Epps provided the bulk of the Mustang offense off the bench. Epps got his team-high 14 points any way he could, going 2-6 from the three-point line and 6-6 on free throws.

Derrick Roberts was close behind Epps, scoring 12 points and going 2-6 from the three-point line.

When the Mustangs played UCF last season they got a large amount of offense from Devon Pearson, who scored 17 points. This year Pearson only managed two points in 25 minutes. In the last five games Pearson had averaged just under 10 points.

The Golden Knights spread out their offense, shooting 55 percent with Jermaine Taylor leading the way with 18 points. UCF also had three players with nine points and one with six.

The Mustangs’ struggles from the free-throw line also continued. SMU shot just 74 percent from the line with Ike Ofoegbu missing two of three and Rackauskas missing three of six.

One bright spot was the turnover department. Jon Killen, who has struggled of late holding onto the ball, had just one turnover in 28 minutes of play. As a team the Mustangs only committed 13.

The Mustangs fall to 2-4 on the road and 0-3 in the conference.

SMU will look to get things back on track Saturday night at home against UTEP.