ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — A dominant second-half surge propelled SMU to a decisive 94-70 victory over Boston College in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Moody Coliseum.

The Mustangs, improving to 19-8 overall, turned a four-point halftime lead into a runaway, outscoring the Eagles 54-34 after the break. The win was fueled by a blisteringly efficient offensive performance and a defensive effort that capitalized on Boston College’s mistakes.

SMU shot 55.7 percent from the field for the game, including 18 of 30 in the second half, and converted 18 of 25 free throws. Boston College, which fell to 9-18, struggled with its shot all afternoon, finishing at 33.3 percent from the floor and 65 percent from the foul line.

The most important part of the game was SMU’s ability to turn defense into easy offense, particularly in the second half. The Mustangs scored 18 fastbreak points and 13 points off turnovers, compared to just 4 and 2, respectively, for the Eagles. SMU also dominated inside, outscoring Boston College 46-20 in the paint.

The game was closer early, with SMU taking a 40-36 lead into halftime. Boston College guard Fred Payne kept the Eagles in contention with 13 first-half points, including three 3-pointers. But SMU’s depth and balance began to wear down the visitors.

The Mustangs opened the second half on a 14-5 run to establish a double-digit lead they would never relinquish. A key sequence occurred midway through the half when SMU’s Jermaine O’Neal stole the ball and was fouled, hitting both free throws. On the ensuing possession, another Boston College turnover led to an O’Neal jump shot, pushing the lead to 54-44 and forcing an Eagles timeout.

SMU continued to pour it on from there. The lead ballooned to 30 points in the final minutes as the Mustangs’ ball movement and shot selection overwhelmed a disjointed Boston College defense.

O’Neal, a sophomore from Southlake, Texas, led all scorers with 16 points in just 20 minutes off the bench. He was one of five Mustangs in double figures. Center Samet Yigitoglu of Istanbul added 15 points, while guards BJ Edwards of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Jaron Pierre of New Orleans, Louisiana, each scored 13. Pierre also contributed six assists. Point guard Boopie Miller of Chicago dished out a game-high seven assists to go with 11 points.

For Boston College, Payne finished with a team-high 20 points. Forward Jason Asemota of Lynn, Massachusetts, added 10 points and three blocked shots. Guard Chase Forte of Raleigh, North Carolina, had seven assists.

The statistical disparity was stark. SMU scored 94 points on just 69 possessions, an elite offensive rating of 136.5. Boston College managed 70 points on 72 possessions, a rating of 96.6. The Mustangs also committed only four turnovers while forcing eight.

The game was part of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s scheduling alliance. An announced crowd of 7,106 watched at Moody Coliseum.

SMU, which entered as a 16-point favorite according to sportsbooks, easily covered the spread. The total score of 164 points sailed over the pregame over/under line of 149. National statistical services gave the Mustangs a 95.2 percent probability to win before tipoff.

Boston College has now lost five consecutive games and eight of its last nine. The Eagles will look to halt their skid when they return to ACC play at home against Wake Forest on Tuesday.

SMU, which has won three of its last four, continues a road swing with a trip to face California on Wednesday.