Slow-starting SMU plays on the road for the first time this season on Tuesday, going to Mexico to face Bradley in the opener of the two-day Cancun Classic.
The Mustangs split their first four games at home. SMU last started a season with a losing record after five games in 2014-15. That team lost to top-level teams Arkansas, Gonzaga and Indiana. The current club has lost to Lipscomb and Southern Mississippi.
"We have potential, but we're just not where we need to be,'' SMU coach Tim Jankovich said after the loss to Lipscomb on Saturday.
Bradley (3-1) has four players averaging in double figures for points.