SMU basketball has secured a No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament, a significant achievement as it marks the Mustangs’ first appearance in the tournament since 2017. The team is set to face Miami (OH) in the First Four on March 18, 2026, with the winner advancing to play Tennessee in the next round.
This selection is particularly noteworthy as it represents SMU’s first at-large bid since 1993. The Mustangs have had a challenging season, finishing with a record of 20-13, but they demonstrated their potential by recording wins against ranked teams such as North Carolina and Louisville.
Under the leadership of head coach Andy Enfield, SMU has averaged an impressive 84.2 points per game this season. Key players include Boopie Miller, who is averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per game, and Jaron Pierre Jr., contributing 17.6 points per game. However, the team has struggled recently, losing five of its last six games, largely due to the absence of BJ Edwards, who averages 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.
Coach Enfield expressed pride in his players despite the challenges faced, noting, “We’re very proud of our players. We had an unfortunate injury that cost us a couple games here in the last couple weeks…” This sentiment was echoed by Jim Phillips, who highlighted the team’s performance when both Edwards and Miller are on the court, stating, “The facts are they’re 19-8 when they have BJ Edwards and Boopie Miller.”
As the Mustangs prepare for their matchup against Miami (OH), they face a formidable opponent with a record of 31-1. The outcome of this game will be crucial for SMU’s aspirations in the tournament, as they look to build momentum and advance further.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the health status of BJ Edwards ahead of the game, which could significantly impact SMU’s performance. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to the First Four matchup, hoping for a strong showing from the Mustangs in this critical moment of the season.
