February, it seemed SMU was building toward an NCAA Tournament appearance. In Andy Enfield’s first year on the Hilltop and the Mustangs’ first year in the ACC, they made a splash in their new conference.

Clemson took a 54-51 lead in the final two minutes and extended that to 56-52 on guard Chase Hunter’s turnaround jumper in the paint. But with a chance to ice the game up four points, the Tigers committed a live-ball turnover.

SMU has been a middle-of-the-pack defensive team all season in the ACC and relied on its 3-point shooting and offensive ability to carry it to its 23-9 record. But down the stretch of the season, the Mustangs have progressed on their weaker side of the ball — and put together one of their best performances of the season Thursday.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the SMU Mustangs vs. Clemson Tigers NCAAM game to be played on March 13, 2025 on ESPN.

The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team saw its season come to a close in the ACC Tournament Second Round against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. SMU handed Syracuse a decisive 73-53 defeat.