Miami Rallies Past Virginia Tech

Hurricanes improve their NCAA Tournament chances with win over Hokies

A late first-half run by Virginia Tech could have done Miami in. The Canes won 82-74 but very easily could have lost. In fact, they probably should have. The Canes did start off pretty good though.

The Hurricanes were up 23-19 with 8:23 to play in the first half. Solid ball movement, some tough shots fell, and the defense was solid as well. The rest of the first stanza was not as good for the Canes.

The Hokies went on a 16-3 run for the remainder of the first 20 minutes to lead 35-26. The key? Virginia Tech's team defense. Miami went a pitiful 0-12 from the field to finish the first half. Give credit to the Hokies for the effort, but 0-12?

Goodness, did things change in the second half, albeit with a different type of shooting. Free throw shooting, that is. Here's a scenario that helped it happen and spark a key run to give the Hurricanes momentum.

With VT leading 65-60, Norchad Omier knocked down two free throws after driving to the basket. A few moments later, Omier steals the ball and goes the distance for a dunk. It's 65-64 Hokies with 3:48 remaining. Surely, the Hokies will get a good shot now, right?

Nope.

A missed inbounds pass led to a layup for Miami's Kyshawn George. At the 3:42 mark of the second half, Miami had a 6-0 run and was leading 66-65. Close-in shots and free throws were the key to Miami's victory.

From there, a back-and-forth game ensued. It's those free throws that mattered though. Miami made them and Virginia Tech often missed.

For the game, Miami went an incredible 27 of 29 for 93.1% while Virginia Tech went 7 of 14 for 50%.

Even Virginia Tech guard Sean Pedulla missed two free throws with 2:29 remaining and the Hokies trailing 69-68; he's an elite shooter. Those two misses truly hurt VT. Meanwhile, the Canes kept knocking down shots from the charity stripe and went on to win.

For the game, Miami's George finished with 16 points and so did Omier, as they tied for the team lead.  Matthew Cleveland finished with 15 points, while Nijel Pack and Bensley Joseph each contributed 14.

Unfortunately, it appears that Wooga Poplar is hobbled again. Waiting to hear more details on Miami's talented junior but he finished with 7 points.

In the end, Miami won a bizarre game and one it had to have to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive. The Canes are now 15-7 overall and 6-5 in the ACC. Next up for Miami is a road trip to Charlottesville, Va. to play the Virginia Cavaliers. The game is at 7 p.m. on ESPN.