The Miami Hurricanes falter on Senior Day, surrendering a close loss despite a valiant second-half surge and securing a strong ACC tournament seed.
Despite having an opportunity to finish with the most regular-season wins in program history, the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball squad suffered a 92–89 loss to the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday. It was a spoil to Senior Day, honoring guard Tre Donaldson, forward Malik Reneau, and Center Ernest Udeh Jr.
Regardless, the Hurricanes already secured the third seed in the ACC, plus a double-bye in the tournament.
Key takeaways from the game:
- Hurricanes; Sluggish start: Reneau picked up two early fouls in the first two minutes of the game. Shortly after, the Hurricanes faced a 10-2 deficit. The 22-year-old has been the team's leader all season, especially on the offensive side of the court.
Reneau finished with 18 points on 50 percent shooting, five rebounds, and a block. He only attempted four field goals, but shot 16 free throws, making 14. However, the Hurricanes weren't able to overcome the limited Reneau minutes in the first half.
The Cardinals essentially took him out of the game and took full advantage.
- Cardinals; Hot shooting: The Hurricanes weren't known to take many three-pointers, but gave up the most in the ACC, 35 percent heading into Saturday's matchup.
The Cardinals' offense carved out open looks and capitalized on opportunities. They finished shooting 50 percent from behind the arc, making 12 of 24 attempts, including one by sophomore guard Adrian Wooley late in the fourth quarter to essentially win the game.
The Hurricanes' zone defense had a few holes, resulting in open three-point shots.
- Hurricanes; Second-half surge: Regardless of the scoreboard, coach Jai Lucas isn't one to let his team go down without a fighting effort. The Hurricanes sparked a 13-3 run in the second half to lead the game for the first time. Afterwards, it went back and forth until the final buzzer.
For most of the final five minutes in regulation, neither team led by more than three, until the final seven seconds.
The Hurricanes finish with a 24-7 overall record, 13-5 in ACC play, a complete flip from last year's disastrous season. Donaldson, Reneau, and Udeh Jr. played critical roles in elevating the program, delivering veteran leadership and production on the court.
"The guys, they competed, they battled," coach Lucas said. "I'm more upset because we couldn't send our senior out the right way. They've meant so much to me, so much in building this program."
The Hurricanes won't play until Thursday, March 12, for the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals. They will await an official opponent.
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