UNC Faces SMU in First Matchup in 37 Years at Smith Center

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels (9-6, 2-1 ACC) will host the Southern Methodist University Mustangs (11-3, 2-1) on Tuesday, January 7, at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, marking their first matchup in 37 years. The game, set for 9 p.m. ET and broadcast on ACC Network, will be the fourth meeting between the two programs, with UNC holding a 2-1 series lead.

The last time these teams faced off was on December 12, 1987, when UNC secured a 90-74 victory under legendary coach Dean Smith. J.R. Reid led the Tar Heels with 21 points in that game. This will also be the first time the teams meet as ACC opponents, following SMU‘s recent addition to the conference.

UNC enters the game coming off a dramatic 74-73 win at Notre Dame, where freshman guard Ian Jackson scored a career-high 27 points, becoming the first Tar Heel freshman to score 23 or more points in four consecutive games. Jackson’s performance has been a bright spot for UNC, as he averages 14.9 points per game this season.

SMU, meanwhile, is known for its strong rebounding, ranking in the top 25 nationally in rebounds per game and 22nd in offensive rebounds. In their recent loss to Duke, the Mustangs pulled down 21 offensive boards, showcasing their prowess on the glass. UNC, which has struggled with rebounding this season, will need to counter SMU’s physicality, particularly from junior big man Jalen Washington, who had eight points, six rebounds, and a career-high five blocks against Notre Dame.

Fifth-year guard RJ Davis, UNC’s leading scorer at 17.7 points per game, will look to bounce back after a quiet performance against Notre Dame, where he failed to make a three-pointer for the first time this season. Davis’ ability to facilitate and score will be crucial for the Tar Heels, especially against SMU’s Wake Forest transfer Boopie Miller, who has averaged 21 points and 6.3 assists over his last three games.

The game is part of a challenging stretch for UNC, which will face three of the ACC’s newest members—SMU, Cal, and Stanford—over the next 12 days. The Tar Heels are 5-1 at the Smith Center this season and hold an all-time record of 482-88 at the venue.

Predicted to be a high-scoring affair, UNC is expected to edge out SMU in a close contest, with a final score of 82-76. The Tar Heels will rely on their home-court advantage and the continued emergence of Ian Jackson to secure the win.