SMU overwhelms Boston College 94-70 in Dallas as Eagles’ skid continues into late February
SMU turns a tight first half into a runaway ACC win
SMU pulled away from Boston College with a decisive second-half surge Saturday, winning 94-70 at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. The Mustangs led 40-36 at halftime before outscoring the Eagles 54-34 after the break, stretching a competitive game into a lopsided Atlantic Coast Conference result.
Boston College entered the matchup with a chance to stabilize after a difficult stretch, but the loss extended the Eagles’ skid to eight straight games. SMU, meanwhile, improved to 19-8 overall and 8-6 in ACC play, maintaining position in the league’s middle tier as the regular season moved toward its final weeks.
Key runs flipped the game’s trajectory
The turning point began late in the first half. SMU closed the period on an 11-0 run, taking a four-point lead into intermission. Boston College’s early lead was built in part on perimeter scoring, but the Mustangs’ late burst reset the game and shifted the momentum to the home side.
After halftime, SMU created separation with another extended run, including a 14-0 stretch that widened the margin and forced Boston College into a chase. The Mustangs’ offensive efficiency remained steady as they pushed the pace and found open looks, while Boston College struggled to match scoring possessions.
SMU’s balanced scoring and efficiency
SMU placed multiple players in double figures, led by Jermaine O’Neal Jr. with 16 points. Samet Yigitoglu and B.J. Edwards added 15 apiece, and Jaden Toombs and Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 13 each. Boopie Miller finished with 11 points and seven assists, giving SMU consistent creation from the backcourt.
SMU shot 56% from the field, a figure that underscored both shot quality and pace. Boston College shot 33%, a disparity that grew more consequential as the game wore on and the Eagles’ scoring opportunities became harder to convert.
Boston College leaders and what comes next
Fred Payne led Boston College with 20 points. Jason Asemota and Boden Kapke each scored 10 as the Eagles fell to 9-18 overall and 2-12 in conference play.
Boston College is scheduled to return home to face Wake Forest on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
SMU is set to travel to California on Wednesday.
Score by halves: SMU led 40-36 at halftime and won the second half 54-34.