DALLAS – The SMU Mustangs continued their impressive run through ACC competition, securing an 83-63 victory over Pitt on Tuesday night at Moody Coliseum. The win marks SMU’s fifth consecutive triumph and eighth in its last nine games, solidifying its position as a top contender in the conference.
SMU (19-5, 10-3 ACC) wasted no time taking control, using a 14-3 run midway through the first half to build a double-digit lead. The Mustangs’ defensive pressure stifled Pitt (14-10, 5-8 ACC), forcing the Panthers into 11 consecutive missed field goals during the first half. By halftime, SMU led 43-27 and never looked back.
Freshman center Samet Yiğitoğlu delivered a standout performance, posting 17 points and 10 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Senior guard Kario Oquendo also stepped up, scoring 17 points on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Boopie Miller and Matt Cross each added 13 points, while B.J. Edwards contributed across the board with eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
The Mustangs dominated several key statistical categories, shooting 55.8% from the field while holding Pitt to just 31.8%. SMU also outrebounded the Panthers 40-35 and dished out 18 assists on 29 made field goals, showcasing its efficient ball movement.
Defensively, SMU remained strong, forcing nine steals and holding Pitt to just 18 points in the paint. The Mustangs entered the game ranked fourth in the ACC in field goal defense and continued their trend of shutting down opponents, holding four of their last five opponents under 35% shooting.
With the win, SMU moves into a tie for fourth place in the ACC standings. The Mustangs will now turn their attention to a pivotal stretch of games, beginning with a home matchup against Wake Forest on Feb. 15, followed by a road contest at Notre Dame on Feb. 19, and another home showdown against Clemson on Feb. 22.
SMU’s balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and efficient execution continue to fuel its rise in the ACC standings as the postseason approaches.
