What's Happening?
The SMU Mustangs secured a victory against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a final score of 89-81 in a college basketball game held on February 10, 2026. The game took place at Moody Coliseum, marking Notre Dame's first appearance there since 1990. Jaron Pierre Jr. led the Mustangs with 22 points, while Boopie Miller contributed 20 points. SMU pulled ahead in the second half, with Pierre scoring 13 points during a decisive 19-6 run. Despite a late push by Notre Dame, SMU maintained their lead, aided by key plays from Pierre and B.J. Edwards. The Mustangs shot 52.5% from the floor, with Pierre, Miller, and Corey Washington combining for 10 of the team's 19 three-pointers. Notre Dame's Jalen Haralson led his team with 23 points, but the Fighting Irish have
now lost five consecutive games.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for SMU as it improves their record to 17-7 overall and 6-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The win helps solidify their position in the conference standings and boosts their confidence as they approach the latter part of the season. For Notre Dame, the loss extends a challenging period, with the team now having lost 10 of their last 11 games. This performance could impact their morale and strategy moving forward. The game also highlights the competitive nature of college basketball, where teams are constantly vying for better standings and potential tournament placements.
What's Next?
Following this game, Notre Dame is set to host Georgia Tech on Saturday, providing them an opportunity to break their losing streak. Meanwhile, SMU will travel to Syracuse for their next matchup, aiming to continue their winning momentum. Both teams will need to strategize and adjust their gameplay to address their respective challenges and capitalize on their strengths as the season progresses.
