Miami Hurricanes Men's Basketball Dips in Latest AP Poll, Dominate North Florida

MIAMI, Fla. – Following the first week of the 2026-27 college basketball season, the Miami Hurricanes took a hit in the latest Associated Press' top 25 rankings.

A 77-67 loss to No. 1 Florida, then an 83-57 win over Wagner, resulted in head coach Jai Lucas' squad going from No. 14 to No. 17 in Monday's poll.

Despite remarkable performances by point guard Acaden Lewis and center Somto Cyril, both acquired through the transfer portal, it wasn't enough to overcome the Gators' star-studded chemistry. Senior star Thomas Haugh dominated with 19 points on 46.2 percent shooting, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. The 23-year-old made four of eight three-pointers.

Afterwards, the Hurricanes returned to the Watsco Center in Coral Gables (Fla.) and immediately bounced back against Wagner for the first win of the season. Rising star Shelton Henderson led with a game-high 19 points on 66.7 percent shooting, three rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 27 minutes.

Malik Reneau (12) and Caleb Gaskins (11) followed with double-digit performances in scoring.

The Hurricanes kept the momentum going with an 83-57 win over North Florida on Monday night at the Watsco Center. Reneau re-established himself as an All-Atlantic Coast Conference honoree from last season. He led the game with 16 points on 70 percent shooting, five rebounds, two steals, and an assist in 18 minutes.

It's the first time this season the Miami (Fla.) native looked comfortable playing alongside this newly constructed roster.

The Hurricanes had five total players reach double digits in scoring, including Henderson (14), Gaskins (12), Cyril (10), and LSU transfer forward/center Robert Miller III (10). After never trailing in the game, they dominated in several categoes:

- Rebounds: 62-34 (UM)

- Assists: 18-10 (UM)

- Blocks: 8-4 (UM)

- Points in the Paint: 64-26 (UM)

- Second-chance Points: 24-5 (UM)

- Fastbreak Points: 17-9 (UM)

- Points off Turnovers: 21-14  (UM)

- Bench Points: 35-24 (UM)

- Three-pointers Made: 6-5 (UNF)

“We just have to keep taking steps,” Lucas said. “These next two, three weeks are huge for us. Getting use to playing with each other in a game environment is huge.”

Despite a hard-fought stumble against an in-state rival and a National Championship contender in Tampa (Fla.), the Hurricanes are still looking to emerge as a dark horse.

The remaining non-conference schedule before the Player Era Tournament in Las Vegas (NV.) is favorable:

- Nov. 13: North Alabama* (5:00 p.m. E.T.; ACC Network)

- Nov. 17: Rider* (7:00 p.m. E.T.; ACC Network Extra)

- Nov. 20: Manhattan* (5:00 p.m. E.T.; ACC Network)

*All hosted at the Watsco Center

It's an opportunity for the Hurricanes to continue building momentum and chemistry before the level of competition begins the rise.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

- "Could Mississippi State Star Emerge as Miami Hurricanes' Quarterback Portal Target?"

- "No. 14 UM Fall to No. 1 UF in 2026-27 College Basketball Season Opener"

- "Shannon Dawson on Miami Hurricanes' Girard Pringle Jr. and Lack of Opportunity"