SMU stuns No. 12 North Carolina in ACC opener, Led by Boopie Miller‘s Stellar Performance
SMU delivered a resounding statement in its Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) debut, defeating No. 12 North Carolina 97-83 on Saturday. The victory, fueled by a dominant performance from point guard Boopie miller and a gritty effort from forward Corey Washington, marks SMU’s first win over a ranked opponent in two seasons and signals a potential turning point for the program under coach Andy Enfield.
The Tar Heels struggled to contain Miller, who orchestrated the offense with precision and efficiency. He finished with 27 points on an impressive 10-of-13 shooting,alongside a career-high 12 assists. Washington provided crucial support, scoring nine of the Mustangs’ first 11 points of the second half and igniting a decisive run.
miller’s Return to Form
Miller’s performance is particularly noteworthy considering his injury-hampered 2023-24 season. A bruised foot limited his availability last year, contributing to SMU’s first NCAA tournament miss since 2017.
Now fully healthy, Miller is a force to be reckoned with. He’s currently the only men’s college basketball player with two triple-doubles this season, and he’s resolute to make up for lost time. “Every game is circled,” Miller stated, expressing his commitment to leading SMU to success in ACC play.
Key Takeaways from the Victory
* Offensive Efficiency: SMU shot a remarkable 60% from the field (36 of 60) and 52% from three-point range (14 of 27). This consistent scoring proved to much for North Carolina to handle.
* Miller’s Control: The point guard’s ability to score, distribute, and limit turnovers (only two in 33 minutes) was instrumental. His step-back crossover even left UNC freshman Caleb Wilson off-balance.
* Washington’s Grit: Despite battling a knee injury sustained in the first half, washington’s second-half surge, including two crucial tiebreaking three-pointers, shifted the momentum in SMU’s favor.
* Team Effort: Beyond Miller and Washington, B.J. Edwards contributed 15 points and six assists, while Jaron Pierre Jr. added 13 points, showcasing the team’s balanced attack.
Enfield Praises Miller’s Performance
Coach Enfield lauded Miller’s performance as one of the best he’s seen from a guard. “To not only score that many points,but had 12 assists in a game on this stage,” Enfield remarked,highlighting the meaning of the performance.
Looking Ahead
This win provides a significant boost for SMU as they navigate their inaugural ACC schedule. While Washington is expected to be sore, the team’s confidence is high.
for North carolina, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Coach Hubert Davis acknowledged SMU’s offensive prowess, stating, “They were just able to get anything they wanted to offensively.”
You can expect a highly competitive ACC season, and SMU, led by the dynamic Miller, has firmly established itself as a team to watch. This victory isn’t just a win; it’s a statement – SMU is ready to compete at the highest level.
Sources:
* [https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-smu-score-e28021fc26efa0c434a1f275b4aea777](https
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