No. 17 Miami Hurricanes Set New Record in Win Over North Alabama

MIAMI, Fla. – The No. 17 Miami Hurricanes advance to a 3-1 record on the 2026-27 college basketball season, following Friday's 94-52 win over North Alabama at the Watsco Center.

However, in the process, something occured that hasn't happened with Jai Lucas as the head coach: 20 three-pointers made on 47 attempts (42.6 percent). It set a new Hurricanes men's basketball record, when last season the highest was 11.

Saint Peter's transfer Brent Bland ignited for a game-high 26 points on 64.3 percent shooting, plus five rebounds and two steals in 19 minutes off the bench. He made eight three-pointers (new career-high) on 13 attempts. All of Bland's makes from behind the arc where on catch-and-shoot actions; no dribbles.

Nick Dorn followed the 23-year-old with 18 points on 50 percent shooting, two assists, a rebound, and a steal in 19 minutes off the bench. He made six of 12 three-pointers (50 percent).

While the Hurricanes only had one starter (Shelton Henderson) reach double-figures in scoring (18), Dorn and Bland picked up the slack tremendously. It's a testament to Lucas' intention of revamping the bench unit through the transfer portal.

While the scoring was handled by different sources, sophomore combo guard Dante Allen finished with 12 assists, a new career-high. Before the season, the Miami (Fla.) native alluded to having more on-ball assigments and adding versatility to the backcourt.

While Allen only finished with seven points on 28.6 percent shooting, he found another way to impact winnings. Eight of 12 assists were to Bland. Allen has served as a "sixth starter," as Lucas describes it.

The Hurricanes needed a step-up performance on a night when All-ACC fifth-year forward Malik Reneau suffered a shoulder injury. He only played in eight minutes, but it shouldn't sideline him for an extended period. Reneau has adapted a new role this season, as this roster doesn't revolve around the Miami (Fla.) native.

As Lucas continues to learn more about lineups, strengths, and weaknesses, expanding the rotation is a new luxury. Last season, he relied heavily on the starting unit, but the new personnel allows him to mix it up on the court.

Following a 77-67 loss to the No. 1 Florida Gators in the season-opener at Tampa (Fla.), the Hurricanes have won the last three games by an average margin of 35.3 points. After the weekend, they will return to the court on Tuesday to host the Rider Broncs.

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