SMU takes down Syracuse in ACC tournament opener

Mustangs prove they can win without injured guard BJ Edwards

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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SMU defeated Syracuse 86-69 in the first round of the ACC tournament, behind a complete team effort. With starting guard BJ Edwards sidelined, the Mustangs got double-doubles from freshman center Jaden Toombs and sophomore center Samet Yigitoglu, while starting point guard Boopie Miller led the team with 25 points. Jaron Pierre Jr. and Corey Washington also scored in double figures to help SMU seal the win.

Why it matters

The win was crucial for SMU, which was firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble heading into the ACC tournament. The Mustangs needed to prove they could win without Edwards, and this victory showed the committee they have multiple scoring threats and can play well as a team.

The details

SMU led 39-38 at halftime, but broke the game open in the second half with a 10-2 run sparked by Miller's back-to-back 3-pointers. The Mustangs' lead grew to as much as 21 points as Pierre caught fire, making three of his last four 3-point attempts. SMU dominated the boards, out-rebounding Syracuse 44-31, including 19-10 on the offensive glass.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in the first round of the ACC tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The players

Boopie Miller

SMU's starting point guard, who led the team with 25 points on 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 the Mustangs pull away.

Corey Washington

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

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What they’re saying

“The guys played very well together tonight. It's a win that we surely needed. We expect to play well tomorrow as well. When we can score the ball, we're pretty good.”

— Andy Enfield, SMU Head Coach (dallasnews.com)

“Coming into the game, coach told me I was in the starting lineup, so I knew I've got to be impactful on the offensive rebounds to stay in the game. Me and Samet were on the glass today, and we feel like we did a good job.”

— Jaden Toombs, SMU Freshman Center (dallasnews.com)

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 secure SMU's first NCAA Tournament berth in nine years and allow them to avoid the First Four.

The takeaway

This win showed that SMU has multiple scoring threats and can win as a complete team, even without their starting guard BJ Edwards. The Mustangs proved they are worthy of an NCAA Tournament bid, and a victory over Louisville would solidify their place in the field of 68.