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Miami finished the first half on a 9-0 run to take a 40-34 lead, and never trailed in the second half.
The ‘Canes were led by Davon Reed’s 18 points and 6 assists, as the senior continued his hot shooting from beyond-the-arc going 4/8 for the game.
Ja’Quan Newton added 16 points on 7/15 from the field but for the second straight game the Hurricane bench was a large reason for this victory.
Anthony Lawrence Jr. put up 12 points 4 rebounds and 3 assists, Ebuka Izundu had 8 points and in just 10 minutes of play Dejan Vasiljevic added 5 points (including a big three-pointer when Va Tech started a comeback in the second half). Combined the bench shot 11/18 from the field, that’s 61% compared to the ‘Canes starters who shot 39%.
Miami has won four of their last five and are 6-5 in conference, marking their first time above .500 in conference play since they were 1-0 following a win on New Year’s Eve.
Next up the 'Canes have possibly their toughest test of the year on Saturday at #4 Louisville. The Cardinals are coming off a 16-point loss at Virginia and will be hungry for a win. Rick Pitino’s squad will get back Mangok Mathiang and Deng Adel who were suspended last game for missing curfew.
The Cards should also get back their starting point guard Quentin Snider who has misses six straight games with a strained hip flexor.
Miami is alone in 8th place in the ACC, smack in the middle of a loaded conference. But on a night in which Bruce Brown shot just 1/12 from the field and the Hokies attempted 25 free throws, the ‘Canes showed they can beat quality opponents while not playing their best.