As the Clemson Tigers prepare to host the SMU Mustangs at Littlejohn Coliseum on Wednesday night, head coach Brad Brownell emphasized the importance of their upcoming match in the ACC, urging his team to not take the competition lightly despite their unbeaten conference record.
Brownell noted the formidable challenge that SMU presents, highlighting their recent home victory against North Carolina and their status as one of the most potent offenses in the ACC. “I think they’re one of the most talented teams in our league,” he remarked.
The Mustangs feature standout players, including Boopie Miller, described by Brownell as “dynamite.” Miller brings considerable experience as a fifth-year player and excels in both scoring and playmaking, evidenced by his impressive assist-to-turnover ratio. In addition to Miller, Brownell singled out Jaron Pierre Jr. as a significant threat from the perimeter and noted Samet Yiğitoğlu’s skill as a challenging one-on-one matchup in the paint. “They put so much pressure on you,” he said. “They’ve got great size, experience, speed, and shooting. They’re averaging over 90 points a game.”
For Clemson, this matchup serves a dual purpose; beyond it being just another ACC game, it represents a critical opportunity to bolster their NCAA tournament résumé. The challenge posed by SMU’s balanced, fast-paced offense will serve as a litmus test for Clemson’s defensive strategies, which have already been tested during their successful road games.
Brownell acknowledged the impressive coaching job done by SMU’s Andy, noting that their talent and effective game strategies have been reflected in their strong performance thus far this season.
With tipoff scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU, the Tigers will look to blend their hard-earned road toughness with the urgency of competing on their home turf. This game promises to be an exciting and pivotal moment as Clemson seeks to further establish their standing in the conference while showcasing their growth as a team.