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.

Chuck Harris and Matt Cross both scored 12 points and SMU had a successful debut in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, defeating Syracuse 73-53 in Wednesday night's second-round game in Charlotte.