No. 12 UNC's defense nonexistent in concerning loss to SMU

SMU Mustangs guard Boopie Miller (2) drives to the basket past North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) during the second half at Moody Coliseum. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

No. 12 North Carolina's defense nonexistent in concerning loss to SMU

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 6:10 PM ET

The No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels entered Saturday's meeting with the SMU Mustangs ranked second in two-point percentage (40.6%) and 10th in three-point percentage (28.2%).

That was not the case this time around as North Carolina (13-2, 1-1 ACC) suffered a 97-83 road loss to SMU (12-2, 1-0 ACC), giving up its most points all season and allowing the Mustangs to shoot 36-of-60 (60%) overall and 14-of-27 (52%) from long range.

Prior to Saturday's loss, the Tar Heels had not allowed more than 74 points all season, including their only loss coming in, a 74-58 setback against then-No. 11 Michigan State, on Nov. 27.

North Carolina struggles defensively in loss to SMU

The Tar Heels had no answer for SMU senior Boopie Miller, who went off for 27 points (10-of-13 FG) and 12 assists and led the Mustangs to their first ranked win since 2022, snapping a 12-game skid.

His ball handing and shot-making were on full display on this step-back triple to extend SMU's lead to eight with 14:33 to go.

BOOPIE MILLER DROPPED HIM

(via @TheCW_Sports)
pic.twitter.com/rwS5zEnzlN
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 3, 2026

The 97 points allowed are the most in regulation since head coach Hubert Davis' debut season (2021-22), but that was not the only issue North Carolina dealt with.

Coming off three straight double-doubles, freshman and projected top-five pick Caleb Wilson was held to just 13 points (6-of-11 FG). Center Henri Veesaar, who averages the second-most points (16.5 PPG) behind Wilson, was limited to 14 points (4-of-11 FG). For someone who has scored at least 20 points three times and recorded eight double-doubles, this was not a typical performance from the junior.

To its credit, North Carolina still did enough offensively to win the game with senior guard Seth Trimble's 22 points (8-of-16 FG) leading the way. The Tar Heels shot 48% and knocked down 12 of their 28 three-point attempts (43%).

The importance of this win and what it does for SMU's resume should not be ignored for a program looking to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2016-17 season.

With that said, this was a concerning road loss for North Carolina. The Tar Heels shot well enough to win, but with their leading scorers on the season held in check and an inability to get consistent stops defensively, it was not enough. That certainly raises some red flags as conference play gets underway.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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