Provo, Utah (Dec. 30, 2000) All-American Erin Thorn's 22 points made it possible for the Cougar women to grab a first ever 72-58 victory over former WAC foe SMU, Saturday.

The win improves BYU's record to 8-4 on the year while the Mustangs fall to 5-6.

"This was our best start of the season," said head coach Trent Shippen. "We played with a lot of energy both on offense and defense."

The Cougars got off to a quick 11-0 advantage before SMU got its first basket at 16:14 in the first half. BYU's energized team had an 18-point, 20-2 advantage at the 12 minute mark before the Mustangs zone changed the momentum of the game. SMU came back late in the first half, took advantage of a BYU lull and enjoyed a two-point 29-27 half-time lead.

SMU was able to sustain its lead for the first couple of minutes of the second half before the Cougars took control of the game. BYU led by as many as 22 points in second half action, finishing with a14-point 72-58 victory.

Thorn's game-leading 22 points included six from behind the arc. Heather Cheesman had 12 points followed by 11 from junior guard Stacy Jensen. Cheesman and teammate Caroline Beus grabbed seven boards a piece in the game.

For SMU it was D-dra Rucker leading her team with 21 points with guard Anika Calvert getting 13 points in the contest. The Mustangs shot 32 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free-throw line.

The Cougars had a season high 49 rebounds and got 12 of 25 from three-point range while shooting 36 percent from the field.

BYU has one more game at home before starting MWC action. The Cougars host Nebraska on January 2 in a 4:30 p.m. tip off.