Full Breakdown
SMU Upsets No. 12 North Carolina in ACC Opener
1/5/2026, 2:16:00 AM
Dominant Performance by SMU
In a significant upset, the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs defeated the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels 97-83 during their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener on January 3, 2026. This victory marked SMU's first win over a ranked opponent under second-year head coach Andy Enfield and ended a 12-game losing streak against ranked teams, with their last win against No. 6 Houston in February 2022.
The Mustangs showcased an impressive offensive display, shooting 60% from the field (36 of 60) and 52% from three-point range (14 of 27). Boopie Miller led the charge with 27 points and 12 assists, while Corey Washington contributed 23 points. B.J. Edwards added 15 points and six assists, and Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 13 points. SMU's second-half performance was particularly notable, as they outscored North Carolina 58-44 after a tied first half.
North Carolina's Defensive Struggles
North Carolina, despite entering the game with a strong defensive reputation, struggled significantly against SMU's offensive onslaught. The Tar Heels allowed 97 points, marking one of their worst defensive performances in recent history. Coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the team's defensive failures, stating, "We just didn't play the way we needed to to beat a team here on the road." The Tar Heels had previously allowed an average of just 63.7 points per game.
Seth Trimble led North Carolina with 22 points, while Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar were held to below their season averages, scoring 13 and 14 points, respectively. The Tar Heels shot 48.3% from the field but could not keep pace with SMU's scoring efficiency.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game began with SMU taking an early lead, but North Carolina managed to tie the game at halftime. However, the Mustangs quickly regained control in the second half, with Washington scoring nine of SMU's first 11 points after the break. Miller's ability to distribute the ball effectively, combined with his scoring, kept the Tar Heels on the defensive throughout the game.
Miller's performance was highlighted by his shooting efficiency, making 10 of 13 field goals and committing only two turnovers. His ability to control the game was a focal point for North Carolina's defense, which struggled to contain him. Davis remarked, "Boopie was in control of the ball... they were able to get anywhere they wanted to offensively."
Implications of the Game
This loss marks a critical moment for North Carolina, dropping their record to 13-2 overall and 1-1 in ACC play. The defeat raises questions about their defensive capabilities as they prepare for their next game against Wake Forest. Conversely, SMU improved to 12-2 and will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matchup against Clemson.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Andy Enfield praised his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of strong guard play in their victory. "You can’t beat a team like this without your guards playing well," he stated. Meanwhile, North Carolina's players expressed disappointment, with Trimble noting, "We’ve got to be better than that."
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were just able to get anything they wanted to offensively. Boopie was in control of the ball,” — Hubert Davis, Head Coach, North Carolina
- “I just know the work I put in each and every night,” — Boopie Miller, Guard, SMU
- “They generated a lot of open looks.” — Seth Trimble, Guard, North Carolina
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball and the importance of defensive consistency in achieving success in the ACC.
