SMU's next big test comes on road vs. Butler

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th November, 17:22 2024

Butler Bulldogs guard Pierre Brooks (21) drives the ball into the defense of Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Cam Christie (24) during the first half of an NCAA/NIT game, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Hinkle Fieldhouse on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis.

SMU football is doing surprising things in the school's first year in the ACC. The men's basketball team could be following a similar script.

The Mustangs were picked 13th of 18 in the ACC preseason poll but have put together a promising first week of the season. Their first road test comes Friday against Butler in Indianapolis.

SMU is 3-0 under new head coach Andy Enfield, taking care of business against Tarleton State, Florida A&M and UNC Greensboro by beating those teams by an average of 25.3 points.

The Mustangs have Boopie Miller to thank at the offensive end of the floor. Miller has scored 20 points in every game, becoming the first SMU player with a three-game 20-point streak since the 2021-22 season. With averages of 20.7 points and 7.7 assists per game, Miller leads all ACC players in both categories.

Miller transferred from Wake Forest, meaning he has experience in the ACC that most other SMU players do not. Matt Cross, formerly of Miami and Louisville, returned from an injury in the season opener to score eight points against UNC Greensboro.

The Mustangs also debuted Turkish big Samet Yigitoglu, who had 13 points in his first game since the NCAA affirmed his eligibility.

"When we get our full team, I think we have great potential," Miller told the SMU athletics website. "For me being ACC last year, with everybody on the floor, with everybody back, I think we're going to be a great team."

SMU also racked up 32 steals in the first three games. B.J. Edwards has 12 to lead the conference, and Miller and Kario Oquendo have eight apiece.

Butler (2-1) was nearly on upset alert for the second straight game before putting away Western Michigan 85-65 on Monday.

The Bulldogs had a two-point lead at halftime but scored 16 of the first 18 points of the second half. After the Broncos rallied within three, Butler shut the door thanks in part to Augusto Cassia, who scored eight of his career-high 16 points in the final 6:50 of his first career start.

Pierre Brooks II led with 20 points for Butler, which previously lost 68-66 against Austin Peay.

"It means a lot to me," said Cassia, a native of Brazil. "I've worked hard the past couple years. I had a couple minor setbacks. It meant the world to me to be the starting five and help my team win (Monday), honestly."

--Field Level Media

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