SMU Triumphs Over No. 12 North Carolina in ACC Opener

In a significant upset, the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs defeated the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels 97-83 in their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener. Point guard Boopie Miller led the Mustangs with an impressive performance, scoring 27 points and providing 12 assists. His contributions were complemented by forward Corey Washington, who scored nine of the Mustangs' first 11 points in the second half, helping to secure the lead after a tightly contested first half.

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Miller's shooting was particularly noteworthy, as he achieved 10-of-13 from the field and committed only two turnovers in 33.5 minutes of play. Coach Andy Enfield praised Miller's performance, stating, "Just one of the best performances I've seen for a guard," highlighting both his scoring and playmaking abilities. Washington, despite dealing with a knee injury, made critical contributions, including two pivotal three-pointers that broke a tie early in the second half.

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The Mustangs shot 60% overall and 52% from beyond the arc, showcasing their offensive efficiency. Fellow guard B.J. Edwards also played a crucial role, contributing 15 points and six assists, while Jaron Pierre Jr. added 13 points to the team's total.

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This victory marks SMU's first win over a ranked opponent in Enfield's two seasons as head coach, and it is a significant turnaround for the team, which missed the NCAA tournament last year for the first time since 2017. Miller, who transferred from Wake Forest, expressed a sense of urgency and determination, stating, "Every game is circled. I feel like I let my team down last year."

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North Carolina's head coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the challenges posed by SMU, noting, "They were just able to get anything they wanted to offensively." He emphasized the difficulty in containing Miller, who was able to distribute the ball effectively despite defensive efforts to limit his impact.

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Despite the loss, some analysts have pointed out that North Carolina's performance may not be indicative of their overall capabilities, given their strong start to the season. The Tar Heels, who are currently ranked 12th in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll, have a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against other top teams in the ACC.

Fayetteville Observer

Following this defeat, North Carolina will face Florida State in their next ACC game, while SMU will look to build on this momentum as they continue their conference play. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the ACC.

What lies ahead: Predicting how UNC basketball will finish in the ACC

• “Just one of the best performances I've seen for a guard,” — Andy Enfield, Head Coach, SMU

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• “They were just able to get anything they wanted to offensively.” — Hubert Davis, Head Coach, North Carolina

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This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on any given day.

Fayetteville Observer