UNIVERSITY PARK, Texas -- Regarding season openers, Tuesday checked some boxes for the SMU men's basketball team. And while there's still work to be done, the biggest box checked was in the win column.

Against Jacksonville State, SMU made key buckets. They didn't shoot well from deep, but when they needed a basket, they got one. To add, they played good defense throughout the contest and came out of the game healthy.

Aside from not hearing any news from the NCAA regarding the eligibility status of transfer guards Kendric Davis and Darius McNeill, Tuesday evening was considered a positive for the Mustangs.

The end result was a 74-65 SMU victory over Jacksonville State at Moody Coliseum. It was a game where coach Tim Jankovich knew what he had in a program but was unsure as to how the final product would come together.

There's still some things to tweak, but getting the win is always priority No. 1.

"That's the best part, we're 1-0," Jankovich said. "The object is to win, and we did that. It gives us a place to start.

"There were some real positives that I really liked and really enjoyed. This is our first time playing in a real game in front of people. We were a little out of character in some ways, and some things kind of showed themselves, but all in all, I'm obviously glad we won."

The Mustangs happened to get the win in front of two big SMU fans. President George W. Bush and Laura Bush were in attendance celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary.

The Mustangs led, 31-24, at the half and opened the second half on a 10-0 run. SMU's largest lead of the game was 18 points.

But Jacksonville State managed to cut the lead to eight on a couple of occasions in the second half. It was a chance for SMU to show its poise late.

"I think we learned something," Jankovich said. "I don't think we finished the game well."

That said, Jankovich was happy with the victory, and he was happy to see his team play a full 40 minutes. Four players finished in double figures for the Mustangs, and Tyson Jolly, in his first game wearing an SMU uniform, shined.

Jolly led all scorers with 21 points and made 7 of 10 shots. He also had eight rebounds and three assists.

Isiaha Mike had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win. Feron Hunt nearly recorded a double-double, contributing 13 points and nine rebounds. Ethan Chargois adde 10 points and six boards.

Jacara Cross and De'Torrion Ware each had 13 points to lead Jacksonville State. Cross also had eight rebounds. Kayne Henry added 10 points for the Gamecocks.

SMU returns to action on Nov. 12 to host New Orleans at Moody Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.