SMU torched the formerly stingy UNC defense in Dallas Saturday afternoon on its way to a 97-83 upset of the No. 12 Tar Heels.
The Mustangs set a new high for three-pointers made against the Tar Heels this season, knocking down 14 on just 27 attempts. No UNC opponent had made more than 12. As a team, SMU shot the ball at a 60 percent (36-60) clip, keeping Carolina at arm’s length for most of the day and pulling away late. The Mustang trio of Boopie Miller, B.J. Edwards and Corey Washington combined for 65 points, with Miller adding 12 assists and Washington shooting 4-7 on threes.
Seth Trimble led the way for UNC with 22 points, but the Mustangs held the duo of Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar in check for much of the game. Neither recorded a double-double after the pair had both done so in seven of the team’s first 14 games. Carolina did not shoot the ball poorly, finishing 29-60 (48.3 percent) from the floor and 12-28 (42.9 percent) on threes, but simply could not keep up with the dynamic guard play of the Mustangs.
Miller was masterful in 33 minutes, with his 27 points coming on a 10-13 shooting performance. He added four rebounds and a steal to his 12 assists. The shifty Miller helped SMU, the leading fast-break offense in the ACC, score 15 fast break points Saturday and record 13 points off 10 UNC turnovers.
Carolina did lead for brief periods, overcoming an early 13-4 hole to take a 39-37 lead in the final seconds of the first half, but a basket from Miller tied the game at 39-39 at halftime. The Tar Heels would not lead in the second half.
SMU’s torrid offensive showing came after the Mustangs missed seven of their first eight shots and then eight of 11 in a seven-minute span late in the first half. After sitting at 14-30 with 1:18 remaining in the opening period, the Mustangs finished the game 22-30 (73.3 percent). They did not miss three consecutive shots at any point in the second half.
Saturday’s loss drops UNC to 13-2 overall and 1-1 in ACC play. The Tar Heels will return home to the Smith Center Saturday, Jan. 10 when they host Wake Forest at 6 p.m.
Featured image via Associated Press/LM Otero
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