The Mustangs host the struggling Notre Dame Fighting Irish with SMU favored heavily at home.
ACC basketball returns to Dallas on Tuesday night as the SMU Mustangs welcome Jalen Haralson and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to Moody Coliseum in a matchup that carries contrasting momentum for both programs. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT, with the game airing nationally on the ACC Network.
Notre Dame enters the road contest at 11-13 overall and 2-9 in conference play, still searching for consistency as February heats up.
Offensively, the Fighting Irish have shown flashes, averaging 73.8 points per game, but defensive lapses have kept them hovering around the .500 mark.
Rebounding has been a relative strength, with Notre Dame pulling down 34.2 boards per contest while limiting opponents to just 29.3 rebounds per game.
The Irish rely heavily on perimeter shooting to generate offense. They attempt nearly 42 percent of their shots from beyond the arc and connect at a solid 35.3 percent clip, making 8.6 3-pointers per game.
However, ball movement has been an issue, as Notre Dame ranks near the bottom nationally in assists, averaging just 12.1 per outing. Turnover margin has also been a concern, with the Irish forcing fewer than nine turnovers per game.
SMU, meanwhile, comes in at 16-7 overall and an even 5-5 in ACC play, looking to protect its home floor.
The Mustangs have been far more consistent and are listed as heavy favorites heading into the matchup. Playing at Moody Coliseum has been an advantage for SMU, particularly against conference opponents.
Defensively, Notre Dame will need to tighten up on the perimeter, where it has allowed 8.6 made 3s per game this season. If the Mustangs get comfortable from deep early, the night could turn quickly.
Oddsmakers favor SMU by double digits, but Notre Dame will aim to slow the pace, rebound well, and keep the game within reach. With conference positioning on the line, Tuesday night offers both teams an important measuring stick as March approaches.