Boopie Miller drills game-winning three to lift SMU to 54-52 win over Virginia

Boopie Miller delivered the onions when the SMU Mustangs absolutely had to have them on Wednesday night. He drilled the game-winning dagger from the corner to lift the ‘Stangs to a 54-52 win over the Virginia Cavaliers. Taine Murray missed two free throws at the other end to ensure that SMU only trailed by one point in their final possession. And Miller found a way to find the freon coursing through his veins in the critical moments.

The Mustangs had the ball, trailing by one with 4.1 seconds remaining, and Miller drilled the game-winner with 0.4 seconds left on the clock, right in front of his team’s bench.

BOOPIE MILLER CALLS GAME pic.twitter.com/mHHBgWI7CG

— Jacob Richman (@JacobHRichman) January 16, 2025

Virginia’s Blake Buchannan stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points and 15 rebounds, finishing with one of his best games as a Cavalier. He even chipped in two blocks and two steals. Following the game, SMU star Boopie Miller spoke with the ACC Network broadcast crew.

Boopie Miller had the confidence of his teammates

What was he seeing as he hit the game-winning three?

“There was four seconds left. I had confidence in myself and my teammates to get me the ball. And I shot the ball and it went in. I’m just a firm believer, just working out day in and day out. And I know it’s gonna pay off one day. And today it paid off,” Miller explained.

What was going through his mind in the last five minutes of the game?

“You know, I feel like the last five minutes of the game are the most important parts of the game. It was a low scoring game. I knew we were gonna win, but we just all had to believe in ourselves. I got a turnover in the end. My head down, but my teammates picking me up each and every possession. I feel like we believe in each other, and they believed in me to get me the ball at the end. And we came out with the win,” Miller explained.

What was it like out there in a game that was pretty close for much of the contest?

“You know, it was a tough game. Playing vs. Virginia all the time is a hard game to play. I feel like they have a great coaching staff as well. I just love playing against these types of guys, because it’s a tough game. I love running around the screens. They keep me in shape as well. So, I’m happy we came out with the win,” Miller finished.

Miller stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points and six rebounds. SMU now sits at 13-4 overall and 4-2 in the ACC. Virginia dropped to 8-9 overall and 1-5 in the ACC.