Southern Methodist University (SMU) is preparing for a challenging Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) basketball match against North Carolina State in Dallas. The Mustangs are looking to bounce back after enduring three consecutive defeats against formidable ranked adversaries. In contrast, the Wolfpack arrive with significant momentum, having secured four straight victories and demonstrating impressive form, which has propelled them upward in various national collegiate basketball rankings.
SMU, with a record of 15 wins and 6 losses overall, and 4 wins and 4 losses in the ACC, recently suffered an 88-74 setback against No. 20 Louisville. During that game, Boopie Miller led the Mustangs with 20 points, supported by Samet Yigitoglu's 14 points and 8 rebounds, and Corey Washington's 13 points. BJ Edwards also contributed 13 points in the first half but was held scoreless in the second. A critical factor in their defeat was a high number of turnovers, totaling 16, with 10 occurring in the latter half of the game.
The Mustangs initially held a lead of up to 12 points in the first half but faltered significantly in the final ten minutes. A crucial 10-0 run by Louisville mid-second half erased SMU's 62-61 lead, resulting in a nine-point deficit from which they could not recover. Coach Andy Enfield expressed his disappointment, noting the team's poor second-half performance, particularly the lack of ball movement and high turnover rate among his guards, which led to a low shooting percentage.
Three of SMU's four conference losses, and four of their six overall defeats, have come against teams ranked within the Associated Press Top 25. This pattern highlights the difficulty of their recent schedule and the caliber of opposition they have faced.
North Carolina State (16-6, 7-2 ACC), though not currently ranked in the AP Top 25, is gaining recognition, sitting at 23rd in KenPom and 27th in the NET rankings. Their recent surge includes a dominant 96-78 road victory over Wake Forest, completing a season sweep against the Demon Deacons. This marks their strongest start in league play since 2005. Paul McNeil Jr. was a standout performer for the Wolfpack against Wake Forest with 28 points, while Darrion Williams added 20, Ven-Allen Lubin contributed 12, and Quadir Copeland dished out 10 assists in just 23 minutes.
Coach Will Wade of NC State emphasized the importance of continuous improvement as the season progresses. He acknowledged that the second half of the season would be challenging but expressed optimism about his team's progress and their ability to execute effectively, suggesting a focused approach to maintain their current success.
As SMU prepares to host North Carolina State, the game represents a pivotal moment for both teams. SMU aims to break its losing streak against ranked competition and reassert its presence in the ACC standings. Conversely, North Carolina State looks to extend its impressive winning run and solidify its position as a rising force in collegiate basketball. The outcome will depend on SMU's ability to minimize turnovers and maintain offensive cohesion, while NC State will rely on its consistent scoring and strong team play that has characterized their recent success.