The Mustangs pulled off an amazing 79-75 victory Tuesday against our rivals, TCU ... and did it at TCU's Daniel-Meyer Coliseum in Fort Worth.

I have had the opportunity to beat top-ranked teams, win amazing games in conference tournaments and NCAA tournaments, but there is nothing better than beating your cross-town rival.

There is just something about the SMU-vs.-TCU matchup. It doesn’t matter which team has the upper hand going into the game — more times than not, the teams rise to the occasion for these games. There is so much local recruiting between the two teams that when they go head-to-head, there is a sense of pride that comes with playing each other.

Tuesday’s game goes into the books as one of the most exciting games between these two rivals. TCU came into the game with an impressive record (8-4), and definitely with the statistical advantage. Their players outmatched our players in most of the positions on the floor.

However, never count out the underdog. Never underestimate what this rivalry can do to increase the level of play between these two teams.

The intensity of Tuesday night’s game was felt with the players, the coaches and even the fans. The Mustangs had us all a little worried with the slow start in this game (TCU jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead), but with the help of some unexpected players, the Mustangs looked the best they have all season. Freshman Morgan Shell came off the bench and brought the spark the team needed on defense. Junior Alice Severin and freshman Christine Elliott held their own against TCU’s MUCH bigger post players. At the end of the game it was a great team effort that led the Mustangs to victory.

This win couldn’t have come at a better time. The victory over TCU concluded SMU’s non-conference schedule. The way the Mustangs played together as a team and the momentum they should take from this game puts them in a good position to kick off their first conference game this Saturday against Tulsa.

I hope this team doesn’t lose the intensity they had Tuesday in their upcoming games. I hope the players play as a team and play with a new sense of confidence gained from another win over our cross-town rival as the conference season kicks off.