The SMU Mustangs will attempt to push their winning streak into double digits on Saturday when the University of South Florida comes to Moody Coliseum. SMU (13-3, 3-0) has won 14 straight home games dating back to last season and most recently defeated Temple at home Wednesday, 79-65.

USF comes to town at 6-7 on the season and has lost its first two conference games. In order to notch its first conference victory of the season, USF will need an uncharacteristically strong offensive output against the Mustangs. Coming into Saturday’s matchup, USF ranks 299th in the nation with a 67.2 points-per-game output. Before Temple scored 65 against SMU on Jan. 4, the Mustangs held eight consecutive opponents to 60 points or less.

After a rocky start defensively, this win streak has propelled SMU to sixth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 58.8 points-per-game.

Without standout guard Jahmal McMurray, who has decided to transfer, USF has turned to junior guard Geno Thorpe to run the offense. The six-foot-four perimeter presence leads the team with 13.4 points per game and 3.8 assists a night.

Tulio Da Silva is another player to watch on USF. The Bulls leading rebounder (8.1 per game) is USF’s go-to interior option. The 6-foot-7 North Dakota native has been inconsistent in recent games but can get to the rim and will require attention.

USF does not have much depth off the bench and without McMurray, only has three players who average double digits in points, two of which only average 10.6 points-per-game.

SMU does not bolster the tallest lineup in the American Athletic Conference, but has posted excellent rebounding numbers regardless. The Mustangs have won the rebounding battle in 15 of 16 games this year. If this trend continues in Saturday’s game, The Mustangs will surely continue their winning ways.

Prediction: SMU 80, USF 58