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.

No. 10-ranked Clemson men’s basketball (26-5) starts its ACC Tournament path with 6-seed SMU (23-9) on Thursday night in Charlotte. Clemson-SMU scoop Date: Thur

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.