Southern Methodist vs North Carolina Picks and Prediction – 1/8/2025

The SMU Mustangs are set to face the North Carolina Tar Heels on January 7, 2025, at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on the ACC Network. Get in on the action with our free NCAAB picks.

SMU enters this matchup following a 62-89 loss to Duke on January 4, 2025. The Mustangs have shown resilience this season, with notable victories against Boston College and Virginia. Offensively, they are led by guard Boopie Miller, who averages 15.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. The team is shooting 48.0% from the field and averages 82.5 points per game. Defensively, they allow 65.7 points per game and are effective on the boards, averaging 40.5 rebounds per game. 

North Carolina, meanwhile, is coming off a narrow 74-73 victory over Notre Dame on January 4, 2025. The Tar Heels have experienced a mix of results recently, including a loss to Louisville and a win against Campbell. Guard RJ Davis has been a standout performer, averaging 17.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. The team is seeking consistency as they continue ACC play and will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage. 

This game marks the first-ever ACC matchup between SMU and North Carolina, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Both teams are aiming to find their rhythm and improve their standings within the conference. SMU disappointed us in their outing against Duke, but Duke is a level above UNC. We like SMU to at least cover. Prediction: SMU wins 77-76.