Virginia Heads to Dallas for Key ACC Clash with SMU: What to Watch
Virginia hits the road today for a high-stakes ACC showdown against SMU in Dallas, and there’s plenty on the line for both squads. Tip-off is set for noon ET on ESPN2, with Jay Alter and Jim Boeheim on the call.
The Matchup at a Glance
- Virginia (15-2, 4-1 ACC)
- SMU (13-4, 2-2 ACC)
- Location: Dallas
- TV: ESPN2
- Radio: WINA and Virginia Sports Network
Virginia enters this one riding a four-game winning streak, all in conference play, and currently sits at No. 16 in the AP Top 25. The Cavaliers are also ranked No. 14 in both the KenPom and NET rankings-metrics that carry serious weight come March.
Vegas has UVA as a slight 1.5-point favorite, but this is far from a gimme. SMU has had Virginia’s number recently, holding a 2-1 edge in the all-time series and sweeping both matchups last season. That includes a heartbreaker in Charlottesville, when SMU’s Boopie Miller drained a late three to steal the win.
Boopie Miller: The X-Factor
If Virginia wants to keep its winning streak alive, it starts with containing Boopie Miller.
The SMU guard has been electric this season, averaging 20.8 points and 7.2 assists per game-good for third in the ACC in scoring. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s delivering in the clutch.
Case in point: just a few days ago, Miller buried a half-court buzzer-beater to lift SMU over Virginia Tech, 77-76. He finished that game with 24 points and reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous players in the conference when the game’s on the line.
What Virginia Needs to Do
Virginia’s defense has been its calling card under Tony Bennett, and today it’ll need to be in peak form.
Expect the Cavaliers to throw a variety of looks at Miller-traps, hedges, maybe even some box-and-one-to keep him from getting into rhythm. Offensively, UVA will need to stay efficient and patient, especially against an SMU team that thrives in transition.
This is the kind of game that could have long-term implications in the ACC standings and NCAA tournament seeding. A win for Virginia on the road would be another strong bullet point on the résumé. For SMU, it’s a chance to pick up a signature win and gain momentum in league play.
ACC Games to Watch Today
It’s a loaded Saturday slate in the ACC, with several intriguing matchups across the board:
- Notre Dame at Virginia Tech, Noon (ACC Network)
- Georgia Tech at NC State, Noon (The CW)
- Syracuse at Boston College, 2 p.m. (ACC Network)
- Miami at Clemson, 2:15 p.m. (The CW)
- North Carolina at California, 4 p.m. (ACC Network)
- Duke at Stanford, 6 p.m. (ACC Network)
- Wake Forest at Florida State, 6 p.m. (ESPN2)
- Louisville at Pitt, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)
But all eyes will be on Dallas at noon, where Virginia and SMU are set to battle it out in a game that feels like it could go down to the wire-again.