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.

Notre Dame, the winner of the opening game of the ACC men’s basketball tourney at Spectrum Center, earned a date with the Tar Heels at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday after defeating Pitt.

The sixth-seeded Mustangs proved they deserve a spot in the tournament’s third day, setting up a quarterfinal meeting with Clemson.

Mustangs -8.5; over/under is 152 BOTTOM LINE: SMU and Syracuse meet in the ACC Tournament. The Mustangs are 13-7 against ACC opponents and 9-2 in non-conference play. SMU ranks third in the ACC in rebounding averaging 34.