Miami Hurricanes vs Smu Mustangs Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

Surging SMU Looks to Keep Rolling Against Struggling Miami

The SMU Mustangs look to continue their strong run as they face the Miami Hurricanes in an ACC showdown on Saturday. While SMU has won nine of its last 11 games, Miami has been stuck in a devastating slump, hoping to snap a six-game losing streak.

SMU Riding Momentum with Balanced Attack

The Mustangs (13-4, 4-2 ACC) have been playing high-energy basketball, winning their last two games and consistently finding ways to dominate opponents. A major factor in their success has been the versatile contributions across the roster, with multiple players stepping up offensively and defensively.

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Key Players for SMU

• Boopie Miller (14.5 PPG, 5.8 APG) – The team’s top scorer and playmaker, Miller has been leading the charge offensively.
• Chuck Harris (12.4 PPG) – A consistent secondary scoring option.
• Matt Cross (10.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG) – A high-energy forward who plays with intensity on both ends.

Matt Cross Faces Former Team

One of the biggest storylines in this matchup is Matt Cross taking on his former school. The 6-foot-7 senior forward has had a unique college journey, playing at:

• Miami (Freshman Year)
• Louisville (Sophomore Year)
• UMass (Junior & Senior Year 1)
• SMU (Current Season – Senior Year 2)

Cross has played in 111 college games, averaging 10.4 points per game, and his relentless energy has made him an asset wherever he’s played.

“Having fun to me means winning,” Cross said. “People know me as a guy who goes 100-million miles per hour.”

He will look to make a statement against Miami, a program that once had him but has since struggled significantly.

Miami’s Struggles Continue

The Hurricanes (4-13, 0-6 ACC) have had a season to forget, losing 13 of their last 14 games and still searching for their first ACC win. Dating back to last season, Miami has dropped 15 consecutive regular-season conference games, a skid that has taken its toll on the team’s morale.

Injury Woes and Youthful Backcourt

Miami’s struggles have been compounded by injuries, particularly at the point guard position:

• Nijel Pack (13.9 PPG) – Miami’s leading scorer has missed seven straight games due to an ankle injury.
• Divine Ugochukwu – The backup point guard has been out for two games with a left-hip injury.

This has put enormous pressure on freshmen guards Jalil Bethea and Austin Swartz, both of whom were highly ranked recruits but are still adjusting to the college level.

• Jalil Bethea (7.1 PPG, 32.7% 3PT) – A five-star recruit, ranked 10th in the nation last year, has shown flashes but remains inconsistent.
• Austin Swartz (6.1 PPG, 31.7% 3PT) – A four-star recruit, ranked 50th nationally, has been forced into playing out of position due to Miami’s injuries.

Head coach Bill Courtney understands the difficulties his young guards face.

“Austin is not a point guard, but he’s been forced into that situation,” Courtney said. “But we’re not going to stop trying. Eventually, something is going to work.”

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Can Miami Find a Way?

With Pack still sidelined, Miami’s only double-digit scorers are:

• Matthew Cleveland (12.8 PPG) – A solid two-way wing.
• Lynn Kidd (11.4 PPG) – The team’s inside presence.

Without a consistent floor general, the Hurricanes’ offense has struggled to find rhythm, leading to poor shot selection and turnovers.

SMU’s Energy vs. Miami’s Desperation

SMU is the clear favorite in this matchup, with momentum, depth, and experience all in its favor. However, Miami is desperate to snap its losing streak and could play with extra urgency at home.

Will SMU’s high-paced attack prove too much for the struggling Hurricanes, or can Miami finally break through and earn its first ACC win? Saturday’s battle will provide the answer.