No. 13 Miami Fends Off Virginia Tech, 76-70
The Hurricanes were hoping to make it seven in a row. They did. The Hokies gave the Hurricanes their best shot in Blacksburg but were unable to hold the Canes off their home court as they lost to Miami 76-70.
Miami has the longest active winning streak among Power Five teams. It didn't come easy Tuesday night, but another double-double by Norchad Omier and a strong performance by the defense helped will the Canes to a victory. Here are three takeaways from Miami's seventh-straight victory.
Bensley Joseph was crucial off the bench
Joseph scored 10 points in 15 minutes off the bench. It was his first game in double-figures since Jan. 31. Miami didn't have the greatest game as a team in terms of shooting beyond the arc. Joseph's only two makes were threes.
He also went 4-4 from the free-throw line. Joseph picked up the most minutes off the bench and he was vital to the lineup when Isaiah Wong found himself in foul trouble. He was a quiet presence that made a big difference for the Canes.
Nijel Pack is getting into full stride
To begin the season, Pack looked good, but he didn't quite look like the highly-rated transfer from Kansas State he was advertised as.
During the Canes' seven-game winning streak, Pack is averaging 18.1 points per game. He's beginning to show more consistency on the floor and jelling in such a guard-heavy lineup coach Jim Larranaga covets.
Pack has been the main three-point shooter for the Canes. His offensive abilities have been on display more than usual as he's dunked twice during the Canes' seven-game stretch and those dunks garnered national attention.
Pack forced a steal late in the second half which led to a score, making the game 66-60. His steal helped the Canes finish the game after a plethora of fouls and free throws.
Miami played one of its most complete games of the year
The Canes offense put up just under its season average in points of 79.7. They also shot just under their season averages from the field and from three. Miami's offense wasn't what won the game.
It was the defense. Outside of Wong's four fouls, Miami did well in keeping themselves out of foul trouble, allowing seven shots at the line. They also had eight steals to the Hokies' six.
The Hokies shot better than Miami did from three and from the field, but it also wasn't the Hurricanes' best game offensively.
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