SMU Upsets No. 12 UNC 97-83 in ACC Opener

Southern Methodist University pulled off a stunning upset on Saturday, defeating No. 12 North Carolina 97-83 in its Atlantic Coast Conference opener at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. The Mustangs, under second-year coach Andy Enfield, secured their first victory over a ranked opponent since February 2022, propelled by a dominant second-half performance and sharp shooting from beyond the arc.

Boopie Miller led the way for SMU with 27 points and 12 assists, including a highlight-reel step-back three-pointer early in the second half that left UNC freshman Caleb Wilson off balance and stumbling. Corey Washington added 23 points, hitting three or more threes alongside Miller, while B.J. Edwards contributed 15 points and six assists. Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 13 points, and Jaden Toombs added 12 as the Mustangs improved to 12-2 overall and 1-0 in the ACC.

North Carolina, which entered with a 13-1 record and a seven-game win streak, fell to 13-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Seth Trimble paced the Tar Heels with 22 points, followed by Henri Veesaar's 14 points and Wilson's 13 points with seven rebounds. The loss marked UNC's first defeat of the ACC season and its initial road game in...