The No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels entered Saturday’s meeting with the SMU Mustangs ranked second in two-point percentage (40.6%) and 10th in three-point percentage (28.2%).
That was not the case this time around as North Carolina (13-2, 1-1 ACC) suffered a 97-83 road loss to SMU (12-2, 1-0 ACC), giving up its most points all season and allowing the Mustangs to shoot 36-of-60 (60%) overall and 14-of-27 (52%) from long range.
Prior to Saturday’s loss, the Tar Heels had not allowed more than 74 points all season, including their only loss coming in, a 74-58 setback against then-No. 11 Michigan State, on Nov. 27.
North Carolina struggles defensively in loss to SMU
The Tar Heels had no answer for SMU senior Boopie Miller, who went off for 27 points (10-of-13 FG) and 12 assists and led the Mustangs to their first ranked win since 2022, snapping a 12-game skid.
His ball handing and shot-making were on full display on this step-back triple to extend SMU’s lead to eight with 14:33 to go.
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