UPDATE: The SMU Mustangs have made a statement in their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) debut, defeating the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels 97-83 on Saturday. Point guard Boopie Miller was unstoppable, scoring 27 points on an impressive 10-of-13 shooting and tying his career high with 12 assists.
This victory marks a significant milestone for SMU, as it is the team’s first win over a ranked opponent in coach Andy Enfield’s two seasons and their first ranked win since beating No. 6 Houston nearly four years ago. Miller, in his second season after transferring from Wake Forest, showcased his skills, especially after recovering from a foot injury that hampered his performance last season.
The Mustangs came out strong, with forward Corey Washington scoring nine of SMU’s first 11 points after halftime, breaking a 47-47 tie and giving the Mustangs a lead they would not relinquish. “He’s probably going to be very sore tomorrow,” Enfield remarked about Washington’s determination, highlighting the player’s mindset to secure the win despite a knee injury.
Miller’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. With only two turnovers in 33.5 minutes, he controlled the game, effectively distributing the ball and orchestrating plays. “They were just able to get anything they wanted to offensively,” said North Carolina coach Hubert Davis. “Boopie was in control of the ball.”
Fellow guard B.J. Edwards contributed significantly as well, adding 15 points and six assists, while Jaron Pierre chipped in with 13 points. The Mustangs shot an impressive 60% from the field (36 of 60) and 52% from beyond the arc (14 of 27), showcasing their offensive prowess.
Miller, reflecting on his journey, stated, “Every game is circled. I feel like I let my team down last year.” His determination to excel in ACC play this season is evident, especially after coming off his second triple-double earlier this season.
As the Mustangs celebrate this landmark victory, they look to build momentum and establish themselves in the ACC. Fans should keep an eye on their upcoming games as Miller and his teammates aim for continued success. This win not only boosts their confidence but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season.
Stay tuned for more updates as SMU continues its journey in the ACC!
