Cal hopes to slow SMU's ACC-leading offense

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th January, 03:32 2025

Jan 18, 2025; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Boopie Miller (2) drives to the basket against Miami Hurricanes guard Austin Swartz (23) during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

SMU and Cal will meet Wednesday for the first time as Atlantic Coast Conference members on the hardwood, squaring off in Dallas. Both teams are bringing some momentum with them.

SMU (15-5, 6-3 ACC) has won four of its past five games, including a 63-57 victory at North Carolina State on Saturday. Cal (11-9, 4-5) is riding a three-game winning streak and is attempting to match its best run of victories this season.

Much of the Mustangs' success has centered on the offense. SMU is averaging an ACC-best 83.1 points per game and shooting a conference-leading 48.0 percent from the field.

Mustangs freshman Samit Yigitoglu, who scored a season-high 20 points against NC State, is putting up 10.3 points per game, one of five Mustangs averaging in double figures. Boopie Miller is provides a team-best 13.8 points per contest.

Against NC State, though, SMU coach Andy Enfield praised his team's defensive effort. The Mustangs held the Wolfpack to 29.2 percent from the field.

"Our guys played tremendous defense all day," Enfield said. "(Holding them to 29.2 percent) is big time on the road. We knew this was going to be a close game."

Cal could provide another challenge. The Bears started ACC play 1-5 but are now back in the thick of it by winning three straight. They are coming off a 98-94 overtime victory over visiting Miami on Saturday, following wins over Florida State and NC State.

However, it was uncertain whether leading scorer Andrej Stojakovic would be available to face the Mustangs after missing the previous two games due to an illness. Cal coach Mark Madsen said Stojakovic's status is somewhere between day-to-day and week-to-week.

Asked if there is a chance Stojakovic could play, Madsen said, "There's always a chance."

Stojakovic is leading the team on offense at 18.9 points per game. With Stojakovic sidelined for the Hurricanes game, Jeremiah Wilkinson poured in 30 points and DJ Campbell added 22.

"I would say guys really rallied," Madsen said.

Cal and SMU will face off for the fourth time ever. SMU won the past two meetings, the most recent a 67-65 victory in the 2014 NIT quarterfinals in Dallas.

--Field Level Media