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SMU gets past Houston

Feb 13, 2015 - 4:28 AM Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Markus Kennedy had 17 points and six rebounds to lead No. 25 SMU to a 75-69 victory over Houston on Thursday.

Nic Moore scored 15 points while Ryan Manuel added 10 points and four assists for the Mustangs (20-5, 11-2 American), who have won their past two.

Jherrod Stiggers had 17 points and LeRon Barnes gave 14 points and 10 boards for the Cougars (9-14, 1-10), who have dropped their past two.

SMU never trailed in the game, but Houston was able to keep it close in the first half before Ben Moore and Cannen Cunningham put in baskets to give the Mustangs a 20-13 lead.

The lead grew to eight, and Manuel's layup near the end of the half gave the team a 33-27 advantage after 20 minutes.

A 14-2 run in the second half gave SMU some breathing space, and Kennedy finished the run with a three-point play for a 54-37 lead with 12 minutes to play.

L.J. Rose hit a pair of 3s a bit later to get the Cougars back within nine at 61-52.

A 3-pointer from Barnes and slam by Devonta Pollard cut the deficit to four with under four minutes to play, but the Mustangs locked down on defense and got three free throws for a seven-point lead with a minute and a half remaining.

Barnes' layup with 14 seconds showing made it a 73-69 game, but Kennedy hit a pair of free throws at the other end to seal the victory.

Game Notes

SMU hit 53.7 percent of its shots and held Houston to just 40.7 percent shooting ... Houston plays at UCF on Sunday ... SMU hosts Connecticut on Saturday ... The Cougars still lead the series, 47-29, but the Mustangs swept the season series.