Miami MBB suffered a significant defeat against SMU, marking their most one-sided loss of the season.

Miami experienced a significant defeat at the hands of SMU on Saturday, suffering a 43-point loss with a final score of 117 to 74. The Mustangs began the game with remarkable intensity, showcasing their proficiency in three-point shooting, which averages 37% from beyond the arc. They quickly established dominance, hitting 4-of-5 from three-point range and 8-of-10 from the field, leading 20-7 before the midpoint of the first half.  Former Miami forward Matt Cross and senior guard Chuck Harris spearheaded the offensive onslaught, while guards B.J. Edwards and Boopie Miller effectively facilitated ball movement. In contrast, Miami struggled to find their rhythm offensively, enduring several prolonged stretches without scoring. This disparity in ball movement was evident in the assist statistics; the Mustangs recorded 18 assists on 26 made shots in the first half, whereas Miami managed only five assists before halftime and concluded the game with a total of 10.

Interim head coach Bill Courtney remarked, “We’ve yet to really play like we do in practice, where we’re sharing the ball and everyone is involved.” The absence of lead guard Nijel Pack has exacerbated Miami’s challenges in playmaking and facilitation. Freshman Divine Ugochukwu, the only true point guard available, was limited to just four minutes in the first half due to injury. Without a capable facilitator to penetrate the defense and create opportunities, Miami’s offense appeared sluggish and ineffective. In contrast, SMU’s offense flowed seamlessly, with Miller and Edwards adeptly drawing defenders and either delivering lobs to their big man or finding open teammates in the corners. “We’re playing guys at point guard who are not point guards, and Boopie Miller is terrorizing those guys,” Courtney noted.

Miller was the standout performer for SMU, contributing 18 points and 10 assists, which matched the total points scored by the Miami team. He also recorded two steals, demonstrating his disruptive presence throughout the game and highlighting the significant disparity between the two teams' backcourts. 

The Hurricanes struggled to find their rhythm, managing only 42% shooting from the field in the first half, in stark contrast to SMU's impressive 76%. This prolonged offensive stagnation allowed the Mustangs to capitalize, resulting in 11 fast-break points. 

Miami concluded the first half on a positive note, successfully making their last four shots, including their first fast-break basket of the game, which featured a dunk by Matthew Cleveland following a steal by Brandon Johnson. However, this late surge was overshadowed by a dismal start that left the Hurricanes trailing by a staggering 34 points, with the halftime score at 60-26 in favor of the Mustangs. 

“It was embarrassing at halftime, 60 points, so the only thing you can do is go out and have some type of pride,” Cleveland remarked. In the second half, Cleveland ignited Miami's offense, scoring 14 points in just six minutes. His aggressive play, which included attacking the paint and drawing fouls, provided a much-needed spark, allowing Miami to slightly reduce SMU's lead. 

However, Miami's offensive momentum waned once more, enabling SMU to regain control. A spectacular windmill dunk by Kario Oquendo was part of a 14-2 run for the Mustangs, pushing Miami's deficit to 44 points. Cleveland, the only Miami player to surpass 10 points, finished the game with two free throws, achieving a career-high of 31 points. 

“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter when you lose by about 40,” Cleveland stated. SMU's total of 117 points set a program record and represented the highest number of points Miami has allowed this season. The Mustangs' shooting percentages of 69% from the field and 56% from beyond the arc were also the worst defensive statistics for Miami this year. Seven players from SMU reached double figures in scoring, with Miller leading the way, matching Miami's total with his 18 points.