SMU’s Stellar Performance in ACC Debut

Boopie Miller and the SMU Mustangs made a strong impression during their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) debut, showcasing their potential as a formidable team. North Carolina struggled to contain Miller, who was supported by a resilient Corey Washington and his teammates. The Mustangs secured a convincing 97-83 victory over the No. 12 Tar Heels on Saturday.

Miller delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting and tying his career high with 12 assists. Washington contributed significantly by scoring nine of the Mustangs’ first 11 points after halftime, helping the team take control of the game. Coach Andy Enfield was uncertain about Washington’s availability due to a knee injury, but he played a crucial role in the win.

Coach Hubert Davis Reflects on the Loss

North Carolina coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the challenge posed by Miller and the Mustangs. “They were just able to get anything they wanted to offensively. Boopie was in control of the ball,” Davis said. “We tried to take the ball out of his hands and guys stepped up and made shots, but he still was able to get the ball to his teammates at the right spot to be able to do something with it.”

Miller, who transferred from Wake Forest to SMU, faced challenges last season due to a bruised foot that affected his performance. SMU finished with a 24-11 record, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017. However, this year, Miller is fully healthy and ready to make an impact in ACC play.

A New Chapter for SMU

“Every game is circled,” Miller said. “I feel like I let my team down last year.” His determination to redeem himself is evident as he leads the Mustangs into ACC competition.

SMU’s win over North Carolina marks its first victory over a ranked team under Enfield’s leadership. The last such win for the Mustangs was against No. 6 Houston nearly four years ago. Miller’s performance against the Tar Heels was impressive, as he made 10 of 13 field goals, with only two turnovers in 33 1/2 minutes. His step-back, crossover move in the second half left UNC standout Caleb Wilson struggling to maintain balance.

Coach Enfield Praises Miller’s Performance

Enfield praised Miller’s performance, stating, “Just one of the best performances I’ve seen for a guard.” He highlighted Miller’s ability to score and distribute the ball effectively. Fellow guard B.J. Edwards added 15 points and six assists, while Jaron Pierre contributed 13 points. The Mustangs shot 60% overall (36 of 60) and 52% (14 of 27) on 3-pointers.

Washington’s contribution was significant despite his knee injury. He focused on securing the win and leading the team after halftime. His performance included two tiebreaking 3-pointers, with the second one snapping a 47-all tie and putting SMU ahead for good.

“He’s probably going to be very sore tomorrow,” Enfield said. “But for now, he feels pretty good.”

Key Players and Team Performance

• Boopie Miller: 27 points, 12 assists, 10-of-13 shooting
• Corey Washington: 9 points in the second half, key role in securing the win
• B.J. Edwards: 15 points, 6 assists, 2 turnovers in nearly 39 minutes
• Jaron Pierre: 13 points

The Mustangs demonstrated their offensive prowess, shooting efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc. Their balanced attack and strong team chemistry were evident throughout the game. As they continue their ACC journey, SMU looks poised to make a significant impact in the conference.