### SMU Mustangs Achieve Landmark Victory Over No. 12 North Carolina The Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs made headlines by defeating the No. 12 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels with a score of 97-83 on January 3, 2026. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mustangs, as it is their first win over a ranked opponent since February 9, 2022. The game showcased the exceptional performance of point guard Boopie Miller, who scored 27 points and provided 12 assists, leading his team to a strong start in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. The Mustangs' victory not only ended a 12-game losing streak against ranked teams but also highlighted their potential in the ACC this season [https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/smu-mustangs/2026/01/03/smu-mustangs-upset-north-carolina-tar-heels-acc-boopie-miller-corey-washington, https://apnews.com/article/smu-boopie-miller-23a2af4e7b134713fe8c222727970880]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - SMU defeated North Carolina 97-83 in their ACC opener. - The Mustangs never trailed in the second half, showcasing a dominant performance. 2. **Player Highlights** - Boopie Miller: 27 points, 12 assists, and only 2 turnovers in 33.5 minutes. - Corey Washington contributed significantly with 23 points. - B.J. Edwards added 15 points and 6 assists. 3. **Team Performance** - SMU shot 60% from the field and 71.4% in the second half. - The Mustangs scored 58 points in the second half, outpacing the Tar Heels. 4. **Historical Context** - This win is SMU's first over a ranked opponent since February 2022. - The victory ended North Carolina's seven-game winning streak. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Scoring Breakdown**: - **First Half**: Both teams were tied at halftime. - **Second Half**: SMU scored 58 points, maintaining a lead throughout. - **Shooting Statistics**: - **SMU**: 60% overall shooting; 71.4% in the second half. - **North Carolina**: Struggled to keep pace, with Seth Trimble leading their scoring with 22 points. - **Turnovers**: - Boopie Miller had only 2 turnovers, demonstrating effective ball control [https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-smu-score-e28021fc26efa0c434a1f275b4aea777, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/boopie-miller-hot-shooting-lead-214435852.html]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for SMU Basketball **The SMU Mustangs' victory over North Carolina is a pivotal moment in their season, showcasing their potential in the ACC.** 1. **Key Players**: Boopie Miller and Corey Washington were instrumental in the win. 2. **Team Dynamics**: The Mustangs displayed exceptional shooting and teamwork, particularly in the second half. 3. **Historical Significance**: This win not only boosts SMU's confidence but also marks a turnaround in their performance against ranked teams. This victory sets a promising tone for the remainder of the season as SMU aims to build on this momentum in the ACC [https://abc11.com/post/smu-topples-no-12-unc-97-83/18348194, https://chapelboro.com/sports/unc-mens-basketball-cant-keep-pace-with-hot-smu-offense-in-upset-loss].