SMU takes down Syracuse in ACC tournament opener

Mustangs prove they can win without injured starter BJ Edwards

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The SMU Mustangs defeated the Syracuse Orange 86-69 in the first round of the ACC tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina. With starting guard BJ Edwards sidelined due to an ankle injury, SMU needed a complete team effort to secure the victory. Boopie Miller led the Mustangs with 25 points, while freshmen Jaden Toombs and Samet Yigitoglu each posted double-doubles. Jaron Pierre Jr. and Corey Washington also scored in double figures to help SMU advance to the second round, where they will face Louisville.

Why it matters

This win was crucial for SMU, as they were firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble heading into the ACC tournament. The Mustangs proved they can win without their starting point guard, which will be important as they look to secure their first NCAA Tournament berth in nine years.

The details

SMU led 39-38 at halftime, but pulled away in the second half behind a 10-2 run sparked by Boopie Miller's back-to-back 3-pointers. The Mustangs dominated the boards, out-rebounding Syracuse 44-31, and held the Orange to just 3-of-15 shooting from 3-point range after halftime. All five SMU starters finished in double figures, with Toombs and Yigitoglu combining for 28 points and 22 rebounds.

  • SMU and Syracuse battled throughout the first half, with SMU holding a narrow 39-38 halftime lead.
  • Shortly after halftime, Miller led SMU on a 10-2 run to put the Mustangs up 51-42 with under 15 minutes to play.
  • SMU's lead grew to as much as 21 points in the second half as Pierre came alive with 17 second-half points.

The players

Boopie Miller

SMU's starting point guard, who led the team with 25 points, including 5-of-9 shooting from 3-point range.

Jaden Toombs

SMU's freshman center, who posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Samet Yigitoglu

SMU's 7-2 sophomore center, who also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Jaron Pierre Jr.

SMU guard who scored 21 points, including 17 in the second half, to help seal the win.

Corey Washington

SMU guard who added 12 points to the Mustangs' balanced scoring attack.

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What they’re saying

“ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi told The Dallas Morning News on Monday he believed the Mustangs would lock up their first NCAA Tournament berth in nine years with a win over Syracuse.”

— Joe Lunardi, ESPN bracketologist (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

The Mustangs will face No. 6 Louisville in the second round of the ACC tournament on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. CT. A win over Louisville would likely allow SMU to avoid playing in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This win proves that SMU can win without their starting point guard, BJ Edwards, and showcases the team's depth and balanced scoring attack. The Mustangs have now positioned themselves well to earn their first NCAA Tournament berth in nearly a decade.