Preview: Miami Visits SMU in Key ACC Clash

ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — The eighth-ranked Miami Hurricanes look to solidify their Atlantic Coast Conference standing Wednesday when they visit the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum.

Miami (23-6) enters on a hot streak, having won five of its last six games, including a 76-54 rout of Boston College last Saturday. The Hurricanes have been strong in close contests, with three of those recent wins coming by three points or fewer.

The Mustangs (19-10), meanwhile, seek to rebound from back-to-back road losses at California and Stanford. SMU’s offense has been potent at home, averaging 92.3 points in its last three games in Abilene.

A key matchup will feature Miami guard Tru Washington against SMU’s dynamic guard Boopie Miller. Washington is averaging 11.2 points over his last five games. Miller has been on a tear, scoring 20 or more points in four of his last eight contests and dishing out 7.4 assists per game in that span.

Miami’s balance has been a strength. In the win over Boston College, Ernest Udeh Jr. added 11 points and three blocks, while Tre Donaldson scored 15 points.

SMU’s Jaron Pierre Jr. provides a secondary scoring threat, coming off a 21-point performance against Stanford.

The Hurricanes have excelled in tight conference games, a trend they will need to continue on the road. SMU, looking to enhance its postseason resume, has proven capable at home with wins over ranked opponents earlier this season.

Wednesday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this season. Miami hosts Louisville on Saturday. SMU travels to face Florida State on Saturday.

Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST.