- Matchup: Syracuse Orange vs SMU Mustangs
- Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
- Broadcast: ACC Network
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The Syracuse Orange (15-16) travel to Spectrum Center on Tuesday to face off against the SMU Mustangs (19-12) in the ACC Tournament.
In their previous matchup, the Syracuse Orange lost to Pittsburgh, finishing at a close 71-69. The Orange incurred 19 personal fouls, slightly more than Pittsburgh’s 17. They struggled from beyond the arc, making only 6 of 26 3-point attempts. Pittsburgh managed a 65.0% free throw rate, sinking 13 of 20. On the boards, Pittsburgh grabbed 34 total rebounds (8 offensive, 26 defensive) without achieving any team blocks, and they supplied 8 assists alongside 8 steals. Defensively, Syracuse allowed Pittsburgh to shoot 44.1% from the field on 26 of 59 attempts while contributing 10 assists and forcing 11 turnovers with 3 steals. The Orange collected 29 rebounds, including 7 on the offensive end, and achieved a remarkable free throw rate of 94.1%, converting 16 of 17 attempts. Their overall field goal shooting was 39.0% (23 of 59), along with 7 successful 3-pointers out of 24 total attempts.
Naithan George emerged as a standout in this contest, recording 26 points on 8 of 17 shooting, along with 4 assists and 6 rebounds in 40 minutes of play, achieving a field goal percentage of 47.1%.
The Syracuse Orange come into this game with a 15-16 season record. They average 11.0 turnovers and 16.5 personal fouls per game. As a unit, Syracuse accumulates 34.2 rebounds per game and has recorded 395 assists this season, ranking them 280th in Division I. From downtown, they hit 33.2% of their 3-point attempts (220 of 663) and 64.9% from the free throw line. They score an average of 75.2 points per game, positioning them 198th in D-1, while shooting at a rate of 46.6% from the field.
Defensively, the Orange compel their opponents to commit 12.2 turnovers per game and draw 18.4 fouls. They rank 205th in Division I in allowing assists, having surrendered 428 this season. The Orange’s defensive statistics show they permit opponents to shoot 44.1% from the field (812 of 1,843) and yield an average of 36.7 rebounds per game. They allow 34.1% shooting from deep and sit 184th nationally in points allowed per game (73.9).
In their last game, the SMU Mustangs faced a setback against Florida State, losing 91-78. They allowed Florida State to grab 26 rebounds, including 5 offensive boards. SMU shot 47.1% from 3-point range, making 16 of 34 attempts, and 62.5% from the free throw line (15 of 24). Florida State managed to convert 30 of 58 field goal attempts, achieving 51.7% shooting. SMU shot 42.4% overall, making 28 of 66 shots, and hit 12 of 31 3-pointers (38.7%). Florida State committed 18 fouls, prompting the Mustangs to attempt 17 free throws. They turned the ball over 14 times while achieving 7 steals, and pulled down a total of 32 rebounds (18 defensive, 14 offensive).
Kevin Miller was particularly impressive for SMU, scoring 32 points in 39 minutes while providing 4 assists and shooting 55.0% (11 of 20), along with 3 rebounds.
The Mustangs currently stand at a 19-12 record for the season. They commit 17.2 fouls per game and connect on 74.2% of their free throw attempts. Averaging 17.1 assists per game (31st in the nation), they turn the ball over 11.4 times on average. SMU has scored a total of 2,635 points this season (85.0 per game) and averages 37.6 rebounds per game. Offensively, they shoot 49.3% from the field, ranking 22nd in college basketball.
On defense, SMU ranks 306th in allowing points per game at 78.4. They force 12.3 turnovers per game and allow opponents to shoot 43.5% from the field, ranking 136th nationally. The Mustangs concede 34.4% on 3-point attempts (310 of 900) and opponents hit 72.0% of free throw attempts. They allow 16.5 assists and 34.3 rebounds per night, placing them 346th and 176th in collegiate basketball.
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Take SMU and the under for total points.
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