UPDATE: The SMU Mustangs delivered a stunning performance, defeating the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels 97-83 in their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener on Saturday. Star point guard Boopie Miller shined with 27 points and 12 assists, leading his team to a decisive victory in Dallas.
Miller, who shot an impressive 10-of-13 from the field, orchestrated the offense expertly, ensuring his teammates thrived. Forward Corey Washington added critical support, scoring nine of the Mustangs’ first eleven points in the second half, propelling them to a lead they would not relinquish.
“We tried to take the ball out of his hands, but he still managed to create opportunities for his teammates,” said North Carolina coach Hubert Davis. Miller’s performance comes after a challenging previous season marred by injuries, making this victory particularly significant for him and the team.
With this win, SMU not only marks its first victory over a ranked opponent under coach Andy Enfield but also its first win against a ranked team since beating No. 6 Houston nearly four years ago. Enfield praised Miller’s contribution, calling it “one of the best performances I’ve seen for a guard.”
The Mustangs dominated the game, shooting 60% overall and 52% from beyond the arc. Fellow guard B.J. Edwards contributed 15 points and six assists, while Jaron Pierre added 13 points.
The game shifted momentum when Washington hit two crucial three-pointers early in the second half. His efforts were vital as SMU entered halftime tied 47-47 after leading by nine points multiple times.
Despite dealing with a knee injury, Washington emphasized the importance of winning. “We needed to come out strong after halftime,” he stated. Enfield noted, “He’s probably going to be very sore tomorrow, but for now, he feels pretty good.”
Miller, reflecting on his comeback from last year’s struggles, expressed determination: “Every game is circled. I feel like I let my team down last year.” His resilience is palpable as SMU aims to make a mark in the ACC this season.
The Mustangs will look to build on this momentum in their next match, continuing their quest for success in a competitive conference. Fans are eager to see if Miller can maintain this level of play and lead SMU to more victories.
