The wait of more than three decades is finally over, resulting in the form of a much-anticipated rematch; Hubert Davis’ University of North Carolina (UNC) basketball team will matchup against Southern Methodist University (SMU), marking the first time in 37 years that these two teams will meet on the court.

The last time these two teams met, UNC was still under the leadership of the legendary Dean Smith, the coach who guided them to two national championships. Historically, the Tar Heels hold a 2-1 advantage in the series, with their most recent victory over the Mustangs coming in 1987—a commanding 90-74 win at the Smith Center. Hubert would like to continue his stronghold on this long-awaited rivalry as he looks forward to capitalizing after coming off a one-point win at Notre Dame.

Stepping up in Trimble’s Absence

The North Carolina Tar Heels pulled off a thrilling win in South Bend, with Elliot Cadeau hitting a clutch four-point play in the final seconds to edge out Notre Dame (74-73), Once ranked ninth, UNC has fallen out of the Top 25 after six losses but is determined to bounce back in the meanwhile, Freshman Ian Jackson shined in the victory, leading the team with 27 points in the absence of Seth Trimble.

Trimble has been the heart of UNC’s defense and a steady presence on the boards, earning his reputation as the Tar Heels’ best on-ball defender and most reliable rebounder. A true two-way player, Trimble has been a difference-maker on both ends of the court, averaging 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.7 assists through the first 12 games of the season before getting injured.

The Guard has been sidelined for three straight games now due to an upper-body injury. Known for his tenacious defense and quick playmaking, Trimble’s absence has certainly been felt on the court. As the Tar Heels continue to push forward in their season, there’s anticipation surrounding his recovery and the impact he will have when he’s back in action.

On Monday morning, Hubert Davis shared an update on Seth Trimble’s status during the ACC men’s basketball coaches’ Zoom teleconference. “He practiced Sunday, did one full-contact drill, I’d have more of an update after practice (Monday),” Davis said.

In the absence of Trimble, freshman guard Ian Jackson has stepped up to fill the gap, joining the starting lineup and making an immediate impact. Jackson has been nothing short of sensational, becoming the first freshman in UNC history to score at least 23 points in four straight games averaging an impressive 25.3 points per game on 54.7% shooting during Trimble’s absence.

North Carolina currently stands at No. 7 in ACC rankings, showcasing a strong offensive identity with a 26th-place ranking in efficiency. On the defensive side, they’re solid but have room to grow, coming in at 58th. Known for their up-tempo style, the Tar Heels are one of the fastest teams in the country, ranking 7th in pace of play, making them a thrilling team to watch this season. However, they’ll need to stay sharp against a talented SMU team that brings its strengths and challenges to the table.

Mustangs’ Strengths and Struggles on Display

SMU hoped to prove themselves against Duke but were overwhelmed by a 27-point loss at home. Despite winning eight straight games, including big wins over LSU and Virginia, the Mustangs struggled as Duke jumped to an early 17-7 lead. Boopie Miller led SMU with 21 points and five assists.

Boopie Miller has really stepped up as SMU’s go-to guy, averaging 15.8 points and nearly 6 assists per game this season. The 6’0 junior guard is proving he can carry the load. His 21 points against Duke and 24 points against Longwood show just how important he’s become to the team’s offense.

Chuck Harris is another key player on the team,  hitting 27 threes with an impressive 46.6% shooting clip. The 6’4 senior guard’s shooting ability makes him a constant threat from outside, adding 11.4 points per game to the Mustangs’ tally.

Then there’s Matt Cross, the versatile 6’7 forward, who’s been a big presence in the paint while also stretching the floor with 17 threes this season, averaging 10.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, Cross brings both size and skill to the Mustangs’ frontcourt, making them a tough team to match up with. Together, these players are helping SMU stay competitive, even against the top teams.

SMU is ranked No.6 going into this matchup, with a strong offense ranked 22nd in efficiency and a fast pace of play at 79th. However, their defense demands improvement, as they rank No. 108 in efficiency.

In this exciting rematch after 37 years, both teams bring high-powered offenses to the court. While SMU has some firepower in Boopie Miller and Chuck Harris, UNC’s dynamic style and depth should give them a slight advantage.