SMU Mustangs Face Must-Win ACC Tournament Game

Mustangs need victory over Syracuse to keep NCAA Tournament hopes alive

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The SMU Mustangs will take on the Syracuse Orange in the first round of the ACC Tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina. With their NCAA Tournament hopes on the line, the Mustangs must win this game to keep their season alive.

Why it matters

SMU has been on the NCAA Tournament bubble all season and a loss to Syracuse would likely end their chances of making the Big Dance. The Mustangs need a strong showing in the ACC Tournament to solidify their resume and earn an at-large bid.

The details

The Mustangs and Orange will tip off at 3:30 pm CT on Friday in Charlotte. SMU enters the game with a 17-14 record, while Syracuse is 16-15. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.

  • The game will be played on Friday, March 10, 2026 at 3:30 pm CT.

The players

SMU Mustangs

The SMU men's basketball team, who are fighting for an NCAA Tournament berth.

Syracuse Orange

The Syracuse men's basketball team, who are SMU's first-round opponent in the ACC Tournament.

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What’s next

The winner of the SMU-Syracuse game will advance to the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament on Saturday, March 11.

The takeaway

This is a must-win game for the SMU Mustangs, as a loss would likely end their hopes of making the NCAA Tournament. A victory would keep their season alive and give them a chance to improve their resume in the later rounds of the ACC Tournament.