#12 Miami Rallies And Beats the FIU Panthers 86-80
When the FIU Panthers traveled just a few miles to the Watsco Center, nobody was expecting the Panthers to give the Hurricanes any kind of competition in the matchup. That was far from the truth.
Just four minutes into the second half, FIU was able to grow a 12-point lead over Miami and start to cause some panic in the arena. However, the Hurricanes didn't let them get away with it, as they turned it around and got the 86-80 win.
Tonight marked a dominate performance for FSU transfer Matthew Cleveland, tying his career-high in points with 23 and going a perfect three for three from behind the arc. Cleveland has been just what Miami has needed in the absence of Jordan Miller and Isaiah Wong, as he's up to 17 PPG on the season.
Miami's bench was far from impressive tonight, posting just four points during the game. Wooga Poplar and Bensley Joseph both had 18 points and Nijel Pack had 17 after not being much of a threat the past two games.
What put Miami in a whole to begin with was Norchad Omier being in foul trouble leading to rebounding woes. The Panthers collected 16 offensive rebounds on the night, as Michael Nwoko and AJ Casey struggled on the boards as the bigs off the bench.
Arturo Dean was the main man for FIU however, as he posted 19 points but was suffering from an injury late in the game.
Now at 3-0, Miami will head to the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship starting this Friday where they will face the Georgia Bulldogs on CBS Sports Network at 3:30 ET.
2023-24 Miami Hurricanes Basketball Schedule
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