North Carolina Tar Heels vs SMU Mustangs Picks & Predictions for Saturday, January 3, 2026

By: Thomas Pemberton Published 01/03/2026, 03:25 AM ET

Saturday features a full lineup of college basketball games. The SMU Mustangs will host the North Carolina Tar Heels. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:15 PM est at the Moody Coliseum. North Carolina is a -1.5 road favorite and the over/under is set at 151.5 points. Stay up to date with our expert's Free College Basketball Picks.

North Carolina Tar Heels Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels are ranked #12 in the country with a 13-1 record. The Tar Heels are 9-1 over their last ten games and have won seven straight games. North Carolina carry a 1-0 road record. The Tar Heels are scoring 81.2 points scored per game with 8.4 made three pointers. North Carolina is averaging 39.6 rebounds per game. The Tar Heels beat Florida State 79-66 in their last game played. Caleb Wilson led the way with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists. Henri Veesaar added 12 points and 12 rebounds. Wilson leads North Carolina on the season with 19.8 points per game. The Tar Heels have four players averaging double digit points scored per game.

SMU Mustangs Preview

The SMU Mustangs are 11-2 on the season. SMU has won eight of their last ten games and are riding a two game win streak. The Mustangs are a perfect 9-0 on their home court. SMU beat Cal State Fullerton 110-63 in their last game played. B.J. Edways led the way with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jermaine O'Neal also added 21 points. Boopie Miller leads SMU on the season with 19.9 points per game. The Mustangs are scoring 91.1 points per game with 7.6 made three pointers. SMU is averaging 19 assists per game.

North Carolina vs SMU Picks & Predictions

North Carolina beat SMU 82-67 in their last meeting last season. The Tar Heels are 9-5 against the spread. While SMU has covered the spread in six games. SMU hasn't lost at home yet this season but will play their toughest test. Watch for North Carolina to win their eighth straight game in a tough environment.

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Final Score Prediction: North Carolina Tar Heels win 82-77 and cover ATS.

North Carolina vs SMU Best Free Picks

North Carolina Tar Heels -1.5
OVER 151.5

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