Bouncing back from their second loss of the season against the University of Virginia in the Corpus Christi Challenge, the SMU Mustangs (6-2 overall) defeated in-state rival, the Texas A&M; University Aggies on Saturday by a score of 55-52.

The victory was not an easy one to come by, as the Aggies built up a double-digit lead at 15-5 with just eight minutes gone in the first half, and held a 30-26 advantage going into the half.

From that point forward, SMU put on a defensive clinic, holding A&M; to just six made field goals on 23 attempts for a measly 26.1 percent shooting.

Nic Moore was the high scorer in the tournament’s consolation game with 16 points on five of nine shooting from the field and a perfect four for four from the foul line.

The guard from Winona Lake, Ind. was also named an all-tournament selection for his stellar play through the weekend.

Along with Moore, starting forward Yanick Moreira contributed a noteworthy game with 14 points and six total rebounds. The big man has become a mainstay on the frontline of the team, scoring in the double-digits for six straight contests.

SMU will be back in the metroplex Monday against McNeese State University in the Curtis Culwell Center at 7:30 p.m., where the team is 4-0 this season.