MILLER COMES UP CLUTCH FOR SMU IN STUNNING VICTORY OVER VIRGINA

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — — Boopie Miller made two 3-pointers in the final nine seconds, including the off-balance buzzer-beater for the win, and SMU stunned Virginia 54-52 on Wednesday night.

Jan 15, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Boopie Miller (2) huddles with teammates during the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The Mustangs blew a seven-point lead in the final five minutes, going 4 1/2 minutes without a point and falling behind 50-45 with 31 seconds left. B.J. Edwards then drained a 3-pointer to get the Mustangs within 50-48 with 25 seconds left.

Jan 15, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Boopie Miller (2) controls the ball as Virginia Cavaliers forward Blake Buchanan (0) defends during the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

After Ishan Sharma hit both ends of a one-and-one, Miller’s 3-pointer got SMU within 52-51 with nine seconds left. Virginia’s Taine Miller missed the front end of the one-and-one with seven seconds left and SMU called timeout with four seconds remaining. Miller got the ball on the in-bound pass in front of the SMU bench, took a couple of dribbles and hit the winning 3-pointer as the clock ticked under one second.

Virginia lost despite a 12-0 run that erased a 45-38 deficit and gave them a five-point lead in the final minute.

Jan 15, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Boopie Miller (2) celebrates with Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Keon Ambrose-Hylton (22) after defeating the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Miller and Chuck Harris had 12 points each and Samet Yigitoglu scored 10 for SMU (13-4, 4-2 ACC). The Mustangs were 2 for 18 from 3-point distance before hitting their last three in the final minute.

Blake Buchanan had 11 points and 15 rebounds and Sharma scored 10 for Virginia (8-9, 1-5). The Cavaliers made 4 of 26 3-pointers and 12 of 15 free throws.

Jan 15, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Boopie Miller (2) speaks to the media after scoring the game winning shot in the final seconds of the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

There were four ties and four lead changes in the first half, which ended with SMU leading 27-25.

SMU defeated Virginia 63-51 in the inaugural ACC meeting between the teams in Dallas last month.

Virginia, which has lost four straight, plays at Louisville on Saturday. The Mustangs, who have won 9 of their past 11, visit Miami on Saturday.

Jan 15, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Matt Cross (33) shoots the ball as Virginia Cavaliers forward Elijah Saunders (2) defends during the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

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Jasone Pearson

Blessed and highly favored

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