The No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels faced a significant upset on Saturday, falling to SMU 97-83 in a high-scoring contest at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. SMU showcased exceptional offensive efficiency, shooting 60 percent from the field and 51.9 percent from beyond the arc, marking a notable performance against a ranked opponent.
Key Takeaways
- SMU defeated No. 12 UNC 97-83, demonstrating strong offensive play.
- SMU's Boopie Miller led all scorers with 27 points and 12 assists.
- North Carolina's defensive efficiency was the second-worst in the KenPom era.
- SMU's move to the ACC and recent performance signals a potential rise in the conference.
SMU's Offensive Masterclass
SMU's victory was built on a remarkable offensive display. The Mustangs consistently found ways to score, maintaining a high shooting percentage throughout the game. Their effective field goal percentage reached 71.7 percent, highlighting their precision.
The team's ball movement was also a critical factor, with SMU assisting on 23 of its 36 made baskets. This collaborative effort made it difficult for North Carolina's defense to contain them.
Game Statistics
- SMU Field Goal Percentage: 60%
- SMU 3-Point Percentage: 51.9%
- SMU Assists: 23
- UNC 3-Pointers Made: 12
Boopie Miller's Dominant Performance
SMU senior guard Boopie Miller delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 27 points. Miller also dished out 12 assists, orchestrating much of SMU's offense. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates was a major difference-maker.
Miller's impact was evident even after sitting out most of the first half due to foul trouble. He returned to ignite the Mustangs' attack, demonstrating his leadership and scoring prowess.
"The other team has coaches, too."
This quote, often attributed to legendary coach Dean Smith, underscores the idea that well-prepared opponents can always pose a challenge, a sentiment that resonated after Saturday's game.
North Carolina's Defensive Struggles
The Tar Heels, typically known for their defensive prowess, struggled significantly against SMU's relentless offense. North Carolina's defensive efficiency, an advanced metric measuring points allowed per 100 possessions, was 139.9 in the loss. This marks the second-worst single-game defensive efficiency for UNC basketball in the KenPom era, which dates back to the 1996-97 season.
SMU averaged 1.43 points per possession for the entire game. In the second half, this number escalated to a staggering 1.71 points per possession, indicating a breakdown in the Tar Heels' defensive efforts as the game progressed.
Historical Context
The matchup between UNC and SMU has a brief history. Dean Smith's Tar Heels held a 1-1 record against SMU in the mid-1980s. The Mustangs, then ranked No. 4, edged UNC in 1985 before the Tar Heels won the rematch in overtime in 1986. UNC had also defeated SMU in two other meetings in Chapel Hill.
Challenges for the Tar Heels
North Carolina's coaching staff had expressed concerns about the team's toughness preseason. The game against SMU brought these concerns to the forefront. Players like Henri Veesaar found themselves pushed around under the basket, as opponents appeared to have scouted his tendencies.
Freshman Caleb Wilson also faced difficulties. Opponents have reportedly learned his preferred first move is to dribble the ball, rather than making a quick pass. This 'stickiness,' as former coach Larry Brown might call it, can hinder offensive flow.
Despite the defensive issues, North Carolina did make 12 three-pointers in the game, the most in a loss in almost two years. This offensive effort prevented the defeat from being even more lopsided.
SMU's Rise in the ACC
SMU's move to the ACC, its sixth conference since 1917, appears to be a significant step for the program. Head coach Andy Enfield, known for his success at Florida Gulf Coast and USC, seems to be a perfect fit for the Mustangs. His physical style of play aligns well with the resources available at the university.
The university, often referred to as the "Duke of the Southwest" for its academic reputation and resources, has a passionate fan base. Wealthy alumni and a strong community presence suggest that SMU is poised to become a formidable force in its new conference.
A New Contender Emerges
This victory over a ranked North Carolina team serves as a clear statement of intent from SMU. If the Mustangs can maintain their shooting performance and defensive intensity, they could quickly establish themselves as a true contender in the ACC.
For North Carolina, the loss is a reminder that the conference schedule will not be easy. Upcoming road games against Cal and Stanford, both showing improved form, will test the Tar Heels further. The ACC landscape appears more competitive than in previous seasons, with many teams in the top half of the standings performing better than expected.