Imagine a college basketball game where a team secures its first victory over a ranked opponent in years, all while showcasing an explosive offensive performance that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. That’s exactly what happened when SMU defeated No. 12 North Carolina 97-83 on January 3, 2026, in a game that was as thrilling as it was historic. This win marked a significant milestone for second-year coach Andy Enfield and the Mustangs, who are just beginning to make their mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). But here's where it gets even more intriguing: SMU’s victory wasn’t just a fluke—it was a statement, fueled by a staggering 60% field goal percentage and a scorching 52% accuracy from beyond the arc.
Leading the charge for the Mustangs was Boopie Miller, whose 27-point, 12-assist performance was nothing short of spectacular. Miller, fresh off his second triple-double of the season, was unstoppable, sinking 10 of 13 field goals, including a jaw-dropping step-back 3-pointer that left North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson stumbling. And this is the part most people miss: Miller’s ability to control the tempo of the game was the X-factor that kept SMU ahead, especially after halftime.
Corey Washington added 23 points, with nine of those coming in a crucial post-halftime stretch that included two tiebreaking 3-pointers. B.J. Edwards chipped in 15 points and six assists, while Jaron Pierre and Jaden Toombs contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Together, they formed a balanced attack that North Carolina simply couldn’t contain.
For the Tar Heels, Seth Trimble’s 22 points were a bright spot, but it wasn’t enough to overcome SMU’s offensive firepower. Henri Veesaar added 14 points, and freshman standout Caleb Wilson had 13 points and seven rebounds. Despite their efforts, North Carolina’s defense struggled to keep up with SMU’s relentless shooting, particularly from deep.
One of the game’s most pivotal moments came with 17:01 left in the second half. After Wilson intercepted an alley-oop pass and turned it into a tying 3-pointer for the Tar Heels, Washington responded with a 3 of his own, putting SMU ahead for good. It was a back-and-forth sequence that highlighted the intensity of the matchup, but SMU’s ability to answer every North Carolina run ultimately sealed their victory.
But here’s the controversial part: Was this win a sign of SMU’s emergence as a legitimate ACC contender, or simply a product of North Carolina’s uncharacteristically poor defensive performance? The Tar Heels, off to their best start in over 15 years, were expected to dominate, but SMU’s offensive prowess exposed vulnerabilities in their defense. Could this be a turning point for both teams—one rising, the other reevaluating?
SMU’s last win over a ranked team came in 2022 against No. 6 Houston, making this victory all the more sweet. Looking ahead, North Carolina will host Wake Forest next Saturday, while SMU travels to Clemson on Wednesday. Both teams have much to prove, but for now, the Mustangs are celebrating a win that could redefine their season.
What do you think? Is SMU a sleeper team to watch in the ACC, or did they simply catch North Carolina on an off night? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions!
