Final Score:Wake Forest 80 Miami 65. 'Canes finally lose one.

After a number of close calls, Hurricanes Hoops finally fell off the tight rope. Or perhaps they were pushed.

Behind a great effort from CJ Harris and some sloppy play by the 'Canes, Wake Forest rolled to a 80-65 win, handing Miami it's first conference loss after 13 wins.

The start of the game was delayed due to am issue with the lights. But this did not stop both teams from coming out firing.

Kenny Kadji got the 'Canes on the board with a nice drive while being fouled, but missed the ensuing free throw. Devin Thomas answered for Wake on the offensive boards, but back to back three balls by Kadji and Trey McKinney Jones helped Miami to an early lead.

Thats when Wake would find their offense behind some nice passing and ball screens, and at the exact same time UM would go ice cold, changing the game drastically.

6'9 freshman Tyler Cavanaugh came off the bench and had 2 quick buckets and sparked 16-15 Demon Deacon lead. The lead would swell to 6 when Arnaud William Adala Moto hit a rare three and to 9 when C.J. Harris hit one in transition. Shane Larkin finally ended the run with a nice scoop shot, but another 2 bombs by Harris extended to a 30-17 lead. During the run the 'Canes were flat footed on defense and sloppy on O.

On numerous occasions in the 1st half Miami appeared inches away from a steal or rebound and were just a step slow. And Wake capitalized every single time.

Another giant run capped by Harris' 5th three of the day with out a miss, extended the lead to 42-23. Shane Larkin canned a late three to cut the lead to 13 just before the half, but Wake had a comfortable lead behind Harris' 15. Kadji led the Hurricanes with 10.

Larkin hit tow free throws to start the 2nd half but Codi Miller-McIntyre scored easily on a drive to answer. Durand Scott's long three (his first FG if the game) and a nice block by Julian Gamble gave Miami some life. Larkin cut the lead to 8 on a steal and finish but the game got very ragged. UM kept fighting though and behind a couple of big buckets by Scott cut the lead to 5. Just when it looked like the 'Canes had all the momentum, Harris regained it for WF by picking Kadji's pocket and finishing with a two handed jam.

Miami had dug deep but was still losing the battle for the 50/50 balls. Cavanaugh raked Big Reg as he made a move down low. Wake gathered the loose ball, Madison Jones scored on the other end, and the lead was back to 11. Shortly after Scott appeared to get hacked with no call and led to another 3 point play. It was just that sort of day for the 'Canes.

So much for the undefeated season, time to regroup.

The Good:Miami rallied to make this game close temporarily, but it did not last.

The Bad: Where to begin??

The Ugly: UM looked slow at both ends of the court at times.

Next Game: Virginia Tech comes to the BUC, Wed 2/27 7PM.

Miami (FL)