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Boopie Miller's Half-Court Heave Stuns Virginia Tech at the Buzzer

January 15th, 2026

In a stunning turn of events, SMU's Boopie Miller etched his name into the annals of college basketball lore with a miraculous half-court shot at the buzzer to defeat Virginia Tech. The improbable heave gave the Mustangs a thrilling 75-72 victory in a game that was a hard-fought battle from the opening tip. Miller's heroics came after Virginia Tech's Jailen Bedford, who had a stellar night himself with 22 points, tied the game with a clutch three-pointer with just seconds remaining. The back-and-forth contest saw both teams trade blows, with neither able to build a significant lead. SMU's victory improves their conference record and sends a clear message that they are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. The heartbreaking loss for the Hokies is a tough pill to swallow, especially given their own resilience in the final moments.

A Game of Runs

The entire game was a series of runs, with both SMU and Virginia Tech showcasing their offensive firepower. The Mustangs, led by Miller, were able to build a slim lead in the first half, thanks to their aggressive defense that led to several easy transition baskets. However, the Hokies, behind the hot shooting of Jailen Bedford, clawed their way back, and the two teams went into halftime with the score nearly even. The second half was more of the same, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Virginia Tech's offense was clicking, and it seemed as if they might pull away in the final minutes. But SMU, buoyed by the home crowd, refused to go down without a fight. The final minute of the game was a frenzy of action, culminating in Miller's unforgettable shot.

Boopie Miller's Unforgettable Night

Boopie Miller was the star of the show for the Mustangs, and not just because of his game-winning shot. He was a consistent offensive threat throughout the game, finishing with a team-high 25 points. He was able to get to the basket at will, and his playmaking created numerous open looks for his teammates. Miller's performance was a testament to his skill and leadership, and he proved that he is one of the most dynamic guards in the conference. His half-court heave will be replayed for years to come, but it was his all-around performance that was the driving force behind SMU's victory.

Jailen Bedford's Valiant Effort

On the other side of the court, Jailen Bedford was equally impressive for Virginia Tech. He was a one-man wrecking crew on offense, pouring in 22 points on an efficient shooting night. He was particularly effective from beyond the arc, and his clutch three-pointer in the final seconds seemed destined to send the game to overtime. Bedford's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing loss for the Hokies. He has been a consistent scorer for them all season, and he will need to continue to play at a high level if Virginia Tech hopes to make a run in the conference tournament.

Looking Ahead

For SMU, this victory is a huge momentum builder. They have now won three straight games and are looking like a legitimate contender in the ACC. Their next game is a tough road test against a ranked opponent, but with the confidence they gained from this win, they will be a tough out for any team. As for Virginia Tech, they will need to regroup quickly from this devastating loss. They have a talented roster, but they have been inconsistent at times this season. They will need to find a way to close out games if they want to achieve their goals. Their next game is at home against a struggling conference opponent, which should be a good opportunity for them to get back on track.

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