Pierre Jr.'s clutch plays and late-game execution secure SMU's hard-fought road victory, weathering Florida State's ferocious second-half comeback.
SMU continues to show it can win multiple ways in its first ACC campaign, and Saturday’s 83-80 victory over Florida State was a textbook example of composure under pressure.
In a game that swung wildly in the second half, the Mustangs (15-5, 4-3 ACC) leaned on timely shot-making, rebounding, and late-game execution to escape with a critical road-style win.
The steady presence all night was Jaron Pierre Jr., who played with veteran confidence while dropping in 28 points on the night.
Pierre attacked mismatches, spaced the floor effectively, and knocked down shots when SMU needed answers most.
His efficiency was as important as his volume, keeping the Mustangs afloat during Florida State’s (8-12, 1-6) second-half surge and helping swing momentum back in SMU’s favor down the stretch.
Edwards totaled 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Boopie Miller had 11 points and six assists and Samet Yigitoglu grabbed 11 rebounds and scored six points.
That resilience mattered because Florida State didn’t go quietly. After trailing at halftime, the Seminoles turned up the intensity with a defensive push that sparked a scoring run early in the second half.
SMU briefly lost control as Florida State attacked the paint and found rhythm from the perimeter, forcing the Mustangs into a back-and-forth battle that felt destined for a one-possession finish.
Lajae Jones dropped a 3-pointer for the Seminoles with four minutes left, giving Florida State a 72-69 advantage.
What separated SMU was its ability to settle the game in the final minutes. Rather than forcing contested shots, the Mustangs trusted ball movement and interior touches. B.J. Edwards was instrumental in that phase, burying a pair of foul shots with eight seconds left. His rebounding, playmaking, and calm trips to the free-throw line late ensured SMU closed the door when it mattered most.
Robert McCray V dropped in 21 points with nine assists, while Alex Steen posted 14 points and nine boards. Off the bench, Matt Somerville nailed three 3-pointers and tallied 13 total.
SMU’s supporting cast also played a quiet but vital role.
Consistent guard play limited turnovers, while strong rebounding kept Florida State from generating second-chance points.
That balance allowed SMU to absorb scoring runs without unraveling, a key trait for teams hoping to contend in a deep conference like the ACC.
For Florida State, the loss was frustrating but not discouraging.
The Seminoles showed fight, physicality, and improved offensive flow, especially during their second-half rally. Performances like this suggest they’re closer to turning tight games into wins as the season progresses.
For the SMU Mustangs, the victory reinforces a growing identity: disciplined, tough, and capable of winning close games. Those traits will be essential with tougher matchups ahead, including a looming road test against a ranked opponent.
Meanwhile, Florida State Seminoles heads home searching for consistency, knowing the margin for error in conference play is thin.
In January, wins don’t need to be pretty; they just need to count. And for SMU, this one could loom large when postseason berths are built.