Preview: SMU at Stanford in Key ACC Clash

PALO ALTO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams on the NCAA tournament bubble will meet Saturday when the SMU Mustangs visit the Stanford Cardinal in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball matchup at Maples Pavilion.

SMU (19-9) arrives looking to rebound from a narrow 73-69 road loss at California on Wednesday. The Mustangs had won four of their previous five games prior to that defeat. Stanford (17-11) enters on a high note after a 75-67 home victory over Pittsburgh on Wednesday, snapping a two-game skid.

The game features a compelling backcourt duel between two of the ACC’s top guards. SMU is led by dynamic point guard Boopie Miller, who is averaging 18.1 points and 7.4 assists over his last eight games. Miller posted 23 points and nine assists in a win over Louisville on Feb. 17 and has dished at least seven assists in five of those contests.

Stanford counters with high-scoring guard Ebuka Okorie, who is coming off a 34-point, six-assist performance against Pittsburgh. Okorie has been on a scoring tear, averaging 28.1 points over his last seven games, including a 40-point outburst against Georgia Tech on Feb. 7.

Both teams have experienced recent volatility. SMU’s last six games have been decided by an average of 6.8 points, with three losses by four points or fewer. Stanford has followed a similar pattern, with its last five outcomes all decided by eight points or less.

The matchup carries significant weight for March résumés. SMU holds a slight edge in overall record, but Stanford’s home-court advantage at Maples Pavilion, where they are 12-3 this season, provides a counterbalance. The Mustangs are 6-6 in true road games.

Saturday’s contest is the only scheduled regular-season meeting between the programs. Following this game, SMU will host Miami (Fla.) on March 4, while Stanford will travel to face Notre Dame the same night.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PST.