SMU basketball battles Florida State in the ACC regular-season finale with Boopie Miller and Jaron Pierre Jr. leading a high-powered Mustangs offense.
SMU basketball heads to Tallahassee Saturday with plenty at stake, as the Mustangs close the regular season against Florida State in a game that could shape their path in the ACC Tournament.
With a 19-11 overall record and an 8-9 mark in ACC play, SMU still has a chance to secure a first-round bye and avoid the opening day grind in Charlotte.
For head coach Andy Enfield’s Mustangs, the mission is simple: win and improve positioning before the postseason begins.
SMU already proved earlier this season that it can handle Florida State. Back in January at Moody Coliseum, the Mustangs survived a tight battle, defeating the Seminoles 83-80 behind a dominant performance from Jaron Pierre Jr., who poured in 28 points in the victory.
This SMU team has been dangerous all season because of its offensive firepower.
The Mustangs are averaging 85.2 points per game, ranking second in the ACC and among the top 20 nationally. Their offensive balance is equally impressive. Five players average double figures, making it difficult for opponents to focus defensive attention on any single scorer.
Leading the charge is Boopie Miller, one of the most dynamic guards in the conference. Miller averages 18.9 points and 6.7 assists per game, ranking second in the ACC in assists while also shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range.
His ability to control tempo and create opportunities for teammates is a major reason SMU ranks near the top of the league in assists.
Pierre is right behind him as a scoring threat, averaging 17.9 points per game while knocking down 68 3-pointers this season.
The Mustangs also get versatile production from B.J. Edwards, who averages 12.7 points, 4.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game while leading the ACC with 2.3 steals per game.
Edwards has already recorded two triple-doubles this season, making him one of only a handful of players nationally with multiple triple-double performances.
Inside, Samet Yigitoglu anchors the paint. The big man leads SMU with 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, while also averaging 10.9 points.
One of SMU’s biggest strengths is its depth and scoring distribution. The Mustangs have had at least four players score in double figures in 26 of their 30 games, a level of balance that few teams in the country can match.
If SMU’s offense clicks and Miller controls the pace, the Mustangs could head into the ACC Tournament with serious momentum.