Coach Jai Lucas praises fans' "efficient" court storming after a big win, but the Miami Hurricanes still face a $50,000 ACC fine.
The Miami Hurricanes men's basketball squad is coming off a strong 75-66 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels on Tuesday. However, it came with a heavy price. After the final buzzer, fans and students stormed the court, resulting in a $50,000 fine by the ACC, which was announced on Thursday.
"The conference's event security policy is designed to protect the safety and well-being of all student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans," the statement reads. "In accordance with ACC policy, Miami will incur a fine of $50,000 for a first offense."
College sports fans often storm down the stands, whether it's on the football field or the basketball court; it's a repeated occurrence. However, there are safety concerns when a massive crowd runs in what is usually a restricted area. Coach Jai Lucas believes it was done in a well-mannered fashion at the Watsco Center.
"The one thing I was really impressed with was the efficiency," he said. "I've been in a lot of court stormings. I felt it was the one done the right way, to be honest with you. I felt everybody was protected. It was a gradual kind of court storming that took place. No one got put in any danger or anything. I felt [like] our security and our people in the building did an amazing job."
The Hurricanes hadn't beaten the Tar Heels since Feb. 13, 2023. Tuesday's victory was a defining moment for the team, which has been seeking to get over the hump. The Hurricanes faced three ranked opponents prior to the Tar Heels, but lost each of them. It provides a standout victory for the NCAA Tournament resume.
There might have been some personal feelings towards that matchup, as coach Lucas was an assistant on the Duke Blue Devils for three seasons.
It was the most packed game of the season at the Watsco Center: 7,355 fans present. The fans and students celebrated the victory with the Hurricanes' players. The fine is short-lived as the team shifts its focus to the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
It's another opportunity for the Hurricanes to add another Quad 1 victory to boost NCAA Tournament chances. They will need to continue winning the rebound battle and taking care of the ball, similar to against the Tar Heels. As the college basketball season approaches the finale, each game holds significant value.
For Coach Lucas to lead the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance would mean a brilliant start to his tenure.
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