Smu Mustangs vs Virginia Cavaliers Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

SMU Feeling Good Heading Into ACC Opener Against Virginia

An energized SMU squad rides a three-game winning streak into its first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference basketball game as it hosts Virginia on Saturday in Dallas.

SMU’s Strong Start

The Mustangs (7-2) are making a smooth transition to the ACC, highlighted by a dominant 101-72 win over Alabama State on Tuesday. SMU’s two losses this season were competitive contests, falling by 11 points at Butler and by five to Mississippi State at home.

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In the Alabama State victory, Kario Oquendo led the way with a season-high 20 points as seven Mustangs scored in double figures. Matt Cross contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Samet Yigitoglu and Chuck Harris also added 12 points each.

“I think it’s finally getting to the point where we are starting to figure out how to play as a team,” Oquendo said. “You can see it from game to game. We’re getting better, and every practice, we’re getting better. I believe the more games we play together, the more the things start coming together.”

SMU leads the ACC in several statistical categories, including:

• Scoring: 88.3 points per game (second in the ACC).
• Rebounding margin: Plus-10.9 per game.
• Offensive rebounds: 15.2 per game.
• Total rebounds: 43.3 per game.

Key contributors include:

• Boopie Miller: Team leader in scoring (15.6 points per game) and assists (5.8 per game).
• Matt Cross: Leading rebounder with 7.5 boards per game.

Virginia’s Mixed Results

Virginia (5-3) enters the game after an 87-69 loss at No. 13 Florida on Wednesday as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Cavaliers struggled with turnovers, committing 15 that led to 20 points for the Gators.

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Elijah Saunders led Virginia with 19 points, while Isaac McKneely added 12, all coming from beyond the arc. Virginia started strong, building an early 18-9 lead, but trailed by four at halftime. They came within one point early in the second half before Florida pulled away.

“Overall, I was very, very pleased with the first half,” interim coach Ron Sanchez said. “This group is on its way of becoming who they’re going to be. It’s painful growth, but you grow nonetheless.”

Virginia’s key players include:

• Isaac McKneely: Team-leading scorer at 13.1 points per game.
• Elijah Saunders: Second-leading scorer with 10.3 points per game.
• Jacob Cofie: Top rebounder, averaging 6.4 per game.
• Andrew Rohde: Team-best 3.0 assists per game.

Series History

This is only the second meeting between the two programs. Virginia edged SMU 76-73 in the semifinals of the Corpus Christi Challenge on Nov. 29, 2013.

Game Outlook

With SMU’s high-scoring offense and strong rebounding against Virginia’s disciplined, defensive style, the matchup promises to be a compelling test for both teams. The Mustangs aim to keep their momentum alive and make a statement in their ACC debut, while the Cavaliers look to bounce back from their struggles on the road.

Tip-off is set for Saturday in Dallas as SMU seeks to solidify its reputation in its new conference.