The Miami Hurricanes destroyed the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Thursday night, with notable performances, and quotes for Jai Lucas.
The Miami Hurricanes sought to continue improving and winning as they took on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats last night, who were coming off a tough loss against the 20th-ranked Auburn Tigers, with a final score of 95-90.
Jai Lucas mentioned that he was "not satisfied" with the team's performance against the Jacksonville Dolphins in their season and home opener on Monday night, despite being victorious, with a final score of 86-69. He wanted to see better defense and strong performances from certain players, such as senior forward Malik Reneau.
However, Lucas was much more "excited" about the production against the Wildcats, in which the Hurricanes dominated from beginning to end, another win with a final score of 101-61. It was the first time the men's program scored in triple digits since Nov. 4th, 2025.
Lucas alluded, after the Dolphins game, to wanting the team to hold opponents to six three-pointers made and allow only 70 points or fewer. They accomplished both last night against the Wildcats.
The Hurricanes had amazing contributions from multiple players.
Senior guard Tre Donaldson got things started with a corner three to begin the game and never looked back afterwards. He finished with 23 points, four assists, a rebound, and a steal in 27 minutes. Donaldson also had an electrifying fastbreak dunk in the second half, which had the crowd roaring.
Reneau followed with another great performance: 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in 25 minutes. He had a posterizing dunk in the Hurricanes' first possession of the game.
Back-to-back 20-point performances for the 22-year-old.
Freshman guard Dante Allen was a massive spark off the bench. He recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 25 minutes. It was a big step up to begin his collegiate career after a sloppy performance on Monday night.
Lucas also alluded to Allen having "one of the best summers and preseasons of all the players."
"I was happy for him to look like himself," he added. "This is what he's been doing all summer and all preseason. He's going to be a big part of our team moving forward and a big part of the program."
Senior center Ernest Udeh Jr. was short of another double-double, finishing the night with eight points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, and a steal in 19 minutes. He continues to show a strong defensive presence, which fits Lucas's basketball philosophy perfectly. The 21-year-old also had a couple of exciting lob dunks.
On the Wildcats' side, the only player who appeared to be a threat was senior guard Jakobi Heady, who finished with 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 24 minutes. The team had a total of six three-pointers made out of 28 attempts; four came from him.
Heady was the only Wildcat to score in double figures.
Despite a fabulous game, Lucas believes this is only scratching the surface.
"We're nowhere near where I think we can go and what we can be," he said postgame. "I thought our defense was better. Still not where we should be."
Lucas believes that the more this new group plays together on the court, the better it will get. The Hurricanes are certainly off to an exciting start to the season.
More Miami Hurricanes News:
- "Hurricanes Fall Outside College Football Playoff Picture"
- "Hurricanes' Mario Cristobal Understands Important Stakes Ahead"