SMU Mustangs Defeat Syracuse Orange 86-69
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · Spectrum Center
SMU Mustangs 86, Syracuse Orange 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Syracuse Orange vs SMU Mustangs?
SMU Mustangs beat Syracuse Orange 86-69 at Spectrum Center on March 10, 2026.
Who was favored in Syracuse Orange vs SMU Mustangs?
SMU Mustangs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
The SMU Mustangs secured a decisive victory over the Syracuse Orange with a final score of 86-69 in a matchup held at the Spectrum Center. This win marks a significant moment for the Mustangs, who have struggled recently but managed to break a four-game losing streak with this performance. The Mustangs now hold a home record of 21-12, while the Orange finish their season at 15-18.
In their last ten games, the Mustangs had a record of 4-6, with an average of 81.6 points scored per game and 80.2 points allowed. Their recent form had been concerning, as they entered the game on a four-game losing streak, including losses to teams like Florida State and Miami. However, they managed to turn the tide against Syracuse, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
The Orange, on the other hand, have faced their own challenges, finishing their last ten games with a 3-7 record and an average of 75.0 points scored while allowing 82.3 points. They entered the game on a five-game losing streak, which included a narrow loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers just days before this matchup.
Historically, the Mustangs have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Orange, holding a 2-1 record in their last three encounters. Their previous meeting this season on February 14 resulted in a close loss for SMU, with the Orange edging out a 79-78 victory. However, the Mustangs reversed their fortunes in this game, demonstrating their ability to learn from past encounters.
In terms of home and away performance, the Mustangs have been more successful at home, with a home record of 21-12 compared to the Orange's away record of 0-5 in their last five games. This home advantage likely played a role in SMU's ability to secure the win.
The game was also influenced by the betting market, with DraftKings providing odds that favored the Mustangs at -3.5. The total for the game was set at 154.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The Mustangs' performance exceeded these expectations, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively.
The conditions at the Spectrum Center were conducive to a competitive game, and the Mustangs capitalized on their home court advantage. Notable scoring plays included Jaron Pierre Jr., who made significant contributions with a three-point jumper and several free throws, helping to maintain the Mustangs' lead as the game progressed.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a strong offensive display from the Mustangs, particularly in the second half, where they outscored the Orange significantly. The scoring plays highlighted the teamwork and execution of the Mustangs, with assists playing a crucial role in their scoring efficiency.
Overall, the SMU Mustangs' victory over the Syracuse Orange serves as a crucial turnaround for the team, allowing them to end their losing streak and gain momentum as they move forward. The final score of 86-69 reflects not only the Mustangs' offensive prowess but also their resilience in overcoming recent challenges.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SMU -3.5 | 154.5 o -108 / u -112 | Syracuse Orange +150 · SMU Mustangs -180 |
Leaders
- PointsBoopie Miller25SMU Mustangs
- AssistsJaden Toombs6SMU Mustangs
- ReboundsJaden Toombs11SMU Mustangs
- PointsNate Kingz25Syracuse Orange
- AssistsNaithan George11Syracuse Orange
- ReboundsTyler Betsey7Syracuse Orange
Recent form
SMU Mustangs
Last 10: 4-6Streak L481.6 scored · 80.2 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L78-91at Florida State SeminolesMar 7
- L69-77vs Miami HurricanesMar 5
- L75-95at Stanford CardinalFeb 28
- L69-73at California Golden BearsFeb 26
- W94-70vs Boston College EaglesFeb 21
- W95-85vs Louisville CardinalsFeb 18
- L78-79at Syracuse OrangeFeb 14
- W89-81vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 11
- W86-67at Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 7
- L83-84vs NC State WolfpackFeb 4
Syracuse Orange
Last 10: 3-7Streak L575 scored · 82.3 allowed per game0-5 away
- L69-71vs Pittsburgh PanthersMar 7
- L62-77at Louisville CardinalsMar 4
- L83-88at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsFeb 28
- L64-77vs North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 21
- L64-101at Duke Blue DevilsFeb 17
- W79-78vs SMU MustangsFeb 14
- W107-100vs California Golden BearsFeb 12
- L59-72at Virginia CavaliersFeb 7
- L77-87at North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 3
- W86-72vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 31
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Syracuse Orange | SMU Mustangs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-64 | 34-73 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 9-34 | 11-33 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 33 |
| Free throws | 4-7 | 7-8 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 25 |
| Assists | 16 | 20 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 38 |
| Fouls | 14 | 10 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 15 | 79 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half38-37Nate Kingz makes 29-foot three point jumper (Donnie Freeman assists)
- 1st Half38-39Samet Yigitoglu makes layup (Corey Washington assists)
- 2nd Half38-41Corey Washington makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-41J.J. Starling makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half40-43Corey Washington makes 10-foot jumper (Boopie Miller assists)
- 2nd Half40-46Boopie Miller makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaden Toombs assists)
- 2nd Half42-46Nate Kingz makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half42-49Boopie Miller makes 29-foot three point jumper (Corey Washington assists)
- 2nd Half42-51Samet Yigitoglu makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-51Sadiq White Jr. makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Naithan George assists)
- 2nd Half44-54Corey Washington makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaden Toombs assists)
- 2nd Half46-54Nate Kingz makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half46-56Boopie Miller makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half48-56Nate Kingz makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half48-59Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Corey Washington assists)
- 2nd Half48-62Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Boopie Miller assists)
- 2nd Half48-63Boopie Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-64Boopie Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-67Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half48-68Corey Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-69Corey Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-69Nate Kingz makes layup (Donnie Freeman assists)
- 2nd Half52-69Donnie Freeman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-72Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaden Toombs assists)
- 2nd Half54-72Sadiq White Jr. makes 1-foot dunk (Naithan George assists)
- 2nd Half54-74Jaden Toombs makes layup
- 2nd Half55-74Naithan George makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-74Tyler Betsey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nate Kingz assists)
- 2nd Half61-74Tyler Betsey makes 27-foot three point jumper (Naithan George assists)
- 2nd Half63-74Sadiq White Jr. makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Naithan George assists)
- 2nd Half63-76Boopie Miller makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half66-76Donnie Freeman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Naithan George assists)
- 2nd Half66-79Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Samet Yigitoglu assists)
- 2nd Half66-80Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-81Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-82Corey Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-82William Kyle III makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half68-84Boopie Miller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-84William Kyle III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-86Samet Yigitoglu makes 1-foot dunk (Jaron Pierre Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours SMU Mustangs, below favours Syracuse Orange.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- OfficialsRon Groover, Clarence Armstrong, Kellen Miliner
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Syracuse Orange Upset SMU Mustangs in Thrilling FinishOct 31, 2026
- Syracuse Edges SMU in Thrilling FinishFeb 14, 2026
- SMU Mustangs Triumph Over Syracuse Orange 31-18Oct 4, 2025