SMU Advances in ACC Tournament with Win Over Syracuse

Mustangs coach Andy Enfield makes NCAA Tournament case after strong performance

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The 11th-seeded SMU Mustangs defeated the 14th-seeded Syracuse Orange 86-69 in the first round of the ACC Tournament. SMU employed a balanced attack, with Boopie Miller leading the way with 25 points, including five three-pointers, seven rebounds, and four assists. Jaron Pierre Jr. also sank five three-pointers, tallying 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. In the postgame conference, Mustangs coach Andy Enfield expressed confidence that his team looked like an NCAA Tournament team and has a strong resume for consideration.

Why it matters

SMU is looking to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017, when the team featured players like Shake Milton, Semi Ojeleye, and Sterling Brown. This win over Syracuse boosts SMU's chances of earning an at-large bid, as the Mustangs finished the regular season with a 20-12 record, including 8-10 in the ACC.

The details

The Mustangs woke up in the second half, outscoring the Orange 47-31 to secure the double-digit victory. SMU outrebounded Syracuse 44-31, including 19 offensive rebounds. Jaden Toombs and Samet Yigitoglu each recorded a double-double, with Toombs logging 16 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, and Yigitoglu tallying 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 in the first round of the ACC Tournament.

The players

Andy Enfield

The head coach of the SMU Mustangs basketball team, who expressed confidence that his team looked like an NCAA Tournament team after the win over Syracuse.

Boopie Miller

The leading scorer for SMU, with 25 points, including five three-pointers, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Jaron Pierre Jr.

An SMU player who sank five three-pointers, tallying 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Jaden Toombs

An SMU player who recorded a double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

Samet Yigitoglu

An SMU player who recorded a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.

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What they’re saying

“Our players are playing hard, we're playing together. We know what's at stake. I think tonight, we looked like an NCAA Tournament team. We've got a lot of good wins on our resume.”

— Andy Enfield, SMU Head Coach (Karter Baughan)

What’s next

SMU will face Louisville in the second round of the ACC Tournament on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This win over Syracuse boosts SMU's chances of earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, as the Mustangs look to make their first appearance in the Big Dance since 2017. Coach Enfield's confident assessment of his team's performance suggests the Mustangs are peaking at the right time and could be a dangerous opponent in the postseason.