SMU vs North Carolina Prediction 1/3/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a SMU vs North Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 3rd at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

SMU Mustangs Betting Preview

The SMU Mustangs are 11-2 (0-0) this season after they defeated Cal State Fullerton by a score of 110-63 in their last game. SMU led 51-19 at halftime and scored 59 points in the second half for the blowout win. The Mustangs shot 53% from the field, 45% on three pointers, and 74% on free throws in the game. BJ Edwards led SMU with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Jermaine O’Neal Jr added 21 points and three rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, SMU defeated Central Arkansas by a score of 99-82, but lost to LSU by a score of 89-77 before that. The Mustangs have scored 91.1 points per game with 40.2 rebounds and 19.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 76.5 points against per game this season. Boopie Miller is averaging 19.9 points and 7.1 assists per game, while Jaron Pierre Jr is averaging 18.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Mustangs. SMU is shooting 49.9% from the field, 76.7% on free throws, and 34.4% on three pointers this season. 

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 13-1 (1-0) this year after they defeated Florida State by a score of 79-66 in their last game. North Carolina led 40-34 at halftime and held FSU to just 32 points in the second half in the win. The Tar Heels shot 43% from the field, 24% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Caleb Wilson led UNC with 22 points and 16 rebounds, while Seth Trimble added 20 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, North Carolina defeated East Carolina by a score of 99-51 and Ohio State by a score of 71-70. The Tar Heels have scored 81.2 points per game with 42.6 rebounds and 17.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 63.7 points against per game this season. Caleb Wilson is averaging 19.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, while Henri Veesaar is averaging 16.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels. North Carolina is shooting 47.1% from the field, 68.5% on free throws, and 32.9% on three pointers this year. 

Why the SMU Mustangs will win

• SMU has won each of its last nine home games.
• SMU has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 games at Moody Coliseum (Dallas).

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win

• SMU has lost each of its last 12 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• North Carolina has won each of its last 12 games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
• North Carolina has won the first half in each of its last 12 games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.

Total Points Facts

• Each of North Carolina’s last 11 games have produced a total of 155 or fewer points.
• Each of SMU’s last 11 games have produced a total of 157+ points.

SMU vs North Carolina Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup with very solid records to start the season, but SMU will be at home. The Mustangs have won three of their last four games and they have scored at least 93 points in all three of those wins. SMU is shooting 50% from the field, but they have allowed at least 80 points in four of their last five. North Carolina is on a lengthy winning streak and they have been very good defensively, as they have allowed 66 or fewer in four of their last five. I think the Tar Heels will clamp down defensively once again and I like them to win here.