SMU will likely be back at full strength as it seeks to snap a two-game losing streak against surprising Virginia Tech when the teams square off on Wednesday in an Atlantic Coast Conference game in Dallas.
The Mustangs (12-4, 1-2 ACC) return home after an 82-75 loss at then-No. 6 Duke on Saturday. Jaden Toombs led SMU with a career-high 23 points in the loss while B.J. Edwards had 20 points and Corey Washington and Jaron Pierre Jr. each had 11 points for the Mustangs, who played without leading scorer Boopie Miller (illness).
Toombs, a freshman making his first start after missing preseason workouts and SMU’s first seven games of the year, had the best game of his career, scoring 15 points in the first half alone.
The Mustangs committed 21 turnovers without Miller but still put up a fight against Duke. They were within three points with 1:15 to play before succumbing to their second straight loss since beating then-No. 12 North Carolina on Jan. 3 and moving into the AP Top 25.
“Our guys battled without our leading scorer and did a terrific job of hanging in there,” SMU coach Andy Enfield said. “Had a chance to win with under two minutes left when it was a one-possession game. Now we will go back Dallas and try to get healthy.”
Miller is set to be back in the lineup on Wednesday, but his minutes could be limited.
The Hokies (13-4, 2-2) carry some momentum built from a 78-75 home win over Cal on Saturday. Amani Hansberry scored 15 points and Jailen Bedford added 13 as Virginia Tech snapped a two-game losing streak and matched its win total from last season.
Christian Gurdak had 12 points in the victory, with Neoklis Avdalas and Jaden Schutt each scoring 11 and Tobi Lawal hitting for 10.
“We’re going to have a lot of (tight games),” Virginia Tech coach Mike Young said. “I wish it weren’t so, but it’s a really good league. Good, good teams, and we’re going to have to respond time in and time out. We head to Dallas now to battle SMU and we will be ready to compete.”
It’s the first time the teams will play in Dallas after squaring off for the first time ever in 2025, with SMU winning 81-75 in Blacksburg.
–Field Level Media
