SMU Defeats Notre Dame 89-81 Behind Pierre and Miller's 42 Points

Mustangs pull away in second half to cruise past Fighting Irish

Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 22 points and Boopie Miller added 20 as SMU defeated Notre Dame 89-81 on Tuesday night. The Mustangs pulled away midway through the second half with a 19-6 run to take a 69-56 lead. Notre Dame cut the deficit to 83-77 late, but SMU held on for the victory.

Why it matters

This win helps SMU maintain its position in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, as the Mustangs improve to 17-7 overall and 6-5 in conference play. For Notre Dame, the loss extends their losing streak to five games as they continue to struggle in ACC play, falling to 11-14 overall and 2-10 in the conference.

The details

SMU shot 52.5% from the field and hit 19 3-pointers, with Pierre, Miller, and Corey Washington combining for 10 of those. The Mustangs used a 19-6 run midway through the second half to pull away, with Pierre capping the surge with a windmill dunk. Notre Dame cut the deficit to 6 late, but SMU closed out the game at the free throw line.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Jaron Pierre Jr.

A guard for SMU who scored 22 points and hit 3 three-pointers in the win.

Boopie Miller

A forward for SMU who scored 20 points and helped lead the Mustangs' second half surge.

Jalen Haralson

A player for Notre Dame who scored a team-high 23 points in the loss.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This game highlighted SMU's offensive firepower, as they were able to pull away from Notre Dame with a strong second half performance. The Mustangs' ability to hit 3-pointers and get production from multiple players was key to the victory. For Notre Dame, the loss continues their struggles in ACC play and raises questions about their ability to turn things around this season.