SMU upsets No. 12 North Carolina behind dominant second half run
No. 12 North Carolina‘s seven-game win streak came to an end Saturday afternoon in Dallas. SMU took down the Tar Heels 97-83 to hand Carolina its first loss since Nov. 27 (Michigan State).
Prior to Saturday’s victory against North Carolina, SMU had lost 12 consecutive games to ranked opponents. Its last win came against No. 6 Houston on Feb. 9, 2022.
The game was knotted at 39 apiece at halftime, but Andy Enfield‘s Mustangs completely dominated the second half. SMU outscored Carolina 58-44 in the second period to improve to 1-0 in ACC play, 12-2 overall. North Carolina fell to 13-1 (1-1) with the loss.
SMU senior guard Boopie Miller was the star of the show for the Mustangs, scoring 27 points on 10/13 shooting from the field. He also recorded 12 assists and dished out just two turnovers. It marked Miller’s fifth double-double of the season (second consecutive game).
“I just know the work I put in each and every night,” Miller said postgame. “My coaches and teammates give me that confidence to shoot those type of shots. I feel like my team came out and played as hard as they can and we came out and got the win.”
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SMU and North Carolina combined to shoot 54% from the field
Miller was one of five SMU players in double-digit scoring, joined by forward Corey Washington (23 points), guard B.J. Edwards (15 points), guard Jaron Pierre Jr. (13 points), and center Jaden Toombs (12 points).
With the win, SMU improves to 1-1 against ACC foe North Carolina since joining the conference last season. In the first meeting between the two programs in conference play last year, the Tar Heels dominated the Mustangs 82-67 in Chapel Hill.
North Carolina superstar forward Caleb Wilson contributed 13 points on 6/11 shooting with seven rebounds in the disappointing loss. The Tar Heels shot the ball pretty well actually, making 29/60 shots from the field (48%). SMU however enjoyed a magnificent day from the field, making 36/60 shots (60%) and 14/27 three-point attempts (52%).
The No. 12 ranked Tar Heels will look to get back above .500 in ACC play next Saturday at home against Wake Forest. SMU, fresh off the marquee win, will look to win its fourth consecutive game when it travels to Clemson on Wednesday.