Syracuse men's basketball looks to extend win streak against SMU

Orange coming off double-overtime victory, host Mustangs at JMA Wireless Dome

Feb. 14, 2026 at 11:31am

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Syracuse men's basketball (14-11, 5-7 ACC) returns home to the JMA Wireless Dome to host SMU Mustangs (17-7, 6-6 ACC) on Saturday afternoon. The Orange are looking to build on the momentum of their double-overtime victory earlier this week against California, where they scored a season-high 107 points. Syracuse will rely on balanced scoring and interior defense, led by senior William Kyle III, as they aim for their third straight win at home.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams looking to gain ground in the competitive ACC standings. Syracuse has been strong at home this season, while SMU brings one of the conference's highest-scoring offenses led by senior Boopie Miller. The outcome could impact the Orange's postseason hopes as they continue their push towards the final weeks of the regular season.

The details

Syracuse is coming off a 107-100 win over California in double overtime, its highest-scoring performance in more than three years. The Orange had six players score in double figures, led by senior Nate Kingz with 27 points and senior J.J. Starling with 21. Senior William Kyle III and junior Naithan George each recorded double-doubles in the victory. SMU enters the game riding back-to-back wins over Pittsburgh and Notre Dame and features one of the ACC's highest-scoring offenses, with five players averaging double figures.

  • Syracuse hosts SMU on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2 p.m.
  • Syracuse is 11-4 at home this season, winning its last two games at the JMA Wireless Dome.

The players

William Kyle III

Senior forward for Syracuse, anchoring the team's interior defense and ranking among the ACC's top shot blockers.

Boopie Miller

Senior guard for SMU, leading the Mustangs' high-powered offense at 19.2 points per game.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same energy and focus that we had in the California game if we want to keep this momentum going.”

— Nate Kingz, Senior, Syracuse

“SMU is a tough, well-coached team, and we know we'll have our hands full trying to slow down their offense. But we're confident in our ability to compete at a high level on our home floor.”

— J.J. Starling, Senior, Syracuse

What’s next

Following Saturday's game, Syracuse will hit the road to face North Carolina on February 19th, while SMU will return home to host Virginia Tech on February 21st.

The takeaway

This matchup between Syracuse and SMU features two teams looking to build momentum in the final stretch of the ACC regular season. The Orange's strong play at home and balanced scoring attack will be tested by the Mustangs' high-powered offense, setting the stage for an intriguing conference clash at the JMA Wireless Dome.