CORAL GABLES, Fla.- The Miami Hurricanes had four guys go for double digits en route to a 86-80 victory over their in-city rival, FIU.
No. 12 Miami came into Monday night winning their first two games of the season while FIU lost their first two and were coming into the Watsco Center hungry for a win.
The first half saw a back and forth battle between these two teams. While UM shot 64% from three, FIU managed to storm back, going on a 14-3 run to end the half. The Panthers defense came to play and was aggressive from tip-off, forcing eight first half turnovers.
Miami’s Wooga Poplar has started off the season hot and was spectacular once again in the first half, scoring 12 points on 4-7 shooting, with two rebounds and two assists. FIU star guard Arturo Dean was also stellar in the first half scoring 12 points of his own to go along with three rebounds and four assists.
“The ability to play hard all the time, use your speed and quickness and jumping ability always makes for a good player and a good team. I thought both teams tonight showed the ability to play really hard from start to finish. There was no let up by either team… they were hungry and the way they play with the pressure,” UM head coach Jim Larrañaga said regarding the back and forth battle throughout the entirety of the game.
Both Miami schools continued to battle in the second half. UM continued to stay blazing hot from downtown, shooting 6-10. FSU transfer Mathew Cleveland was absolutely dominant in the second half, scoring 13 points on a perfect 4-4 shooting. Despite FIU struggling from three in half number two, they continued to battle and keep it a single digit game. Miami was able to dominate this game in transition, scoring 28 fast break points compared to FIU’s two. The Canes won 86-80.
One area FIU looks to build on was the offensive rebounding as they dominated 16-7 on the offensive boards.
“Right now it’s all about growth… I’m proud of my team, I was proud of my team Thursday when we didn’t play well, I was proud of my team Monday we didn’t play well. But we finally played well. I think we showed what we are capable of, who we can be and uh we just gotta sustain that,” FIU head coach Jeremy Ballard said after the game.
UM will take on Georgia in the Bahama Championship to try to keep their three game winning streak alive. FIU, meanwhile, will travel to Houston Christian in search for their first win of the season.