North Carolina’s Struggles in ACC Road Game Against SMU

North Carolina faced a tough challenge against SMU in their first road game of the ACC season, ultimately falling 97-83 at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. The loss highlighted several issues that need to be addressed as the Tar Heels continue their campaign.

UNC’s Defense Finally Meets Its Match

The Tar Heels had not allowed 75 points or more all season until SMU managed to score 97 on Saturday. This marked the highest point total surrendered by UNC this year and was the first time since December 17, 2024, when they gave up 90 or more points against Florida, the eventual national champion. It also marked the first time since a 103-101, four-overtime loss to Alabama on November 27, 2022, that UNC allowed 95 or more points.

SMU shot an impressive 60% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc, while North Carolina only forced seven turnovers. This performance exposed weaknesses in the defense, particularly against a team with strong offensive execution.

UNC’s Backcourt Outmatched

While Seth Trimble led the way with 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists, the rest of the backcourt struggled significantly. No other guard scored in double figures, with the next-highest total being just eight points from Luka Bogavac.

The group consisting of Bogavac, Kyan Evans, Derek Dixon, and Jonathan Powell combined for only 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting (33%) from the field and 4-for-12 (33%) from beyond the arc. In contrast, SMU’s starting backcourt — BJ Edwards, Boopie Miller, and Jaron Pierre — scored 51 points, which was 13 more than UNC’s entire backcourt.

Six Tar Heel guards saw the floor during the game, but none could match the production of SMU’s backcourt. This lack of depth in the backcourt is a growing concern, especially given that SMU may have provided a blueprint for how to defeat UNC. With the ACC full of teams that have equally strong or even better backcourts, this issue needs immediate attention.

Veesaar and Wilson Were Non-Factors

SMU effectively slowed down Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, limiting their impact on the game. Neither player recorded a double-double, a stark contrast to their previous three-game stretch where they both achieved double-doubles in the same contest. Veesaar finished with 14 points and six rebounds, while Wilson added 13 points and six rebounds.

Additionally, SMU outscored UNC 36-28 in the paint and blocked five shots, significantly limiting the Tar Heels’ effectiveness in the post. North Carolina managed just two dunks, a sharp decline from the 11 they recorded in a win over Florida State the previous week and well below their average of 7.3 per game over the last three outings.

Conclusion

This loss serves as a wake-up call for the Tar Heels. While Trimble showed flashes of brilliance, the overall performance of the team left much to be desired. The defense was overwhelmed, the backcourt lacked depth, and key players like Veesaar and Wilson were unable to make a significant impact. As the ACC season progresses, these areas will need to be addressed if North Carolina hopes to compete at the highest level.