The Miami Hurricanes defeated the FIU Panthers 98-81 in a Sunshine State Showdown Tuesday night at the BankUnited Center. In a game where injuries would again limit the Hurricanes’ rotation, freshman forward Shelton Henderson, who suffered a foot injury last game that inhibited him from playing in the second half, showed no signs of limitations, scoring a career-high 30 points and seeking contact as if he was 100%.
When asked about the importance of entering the game healthy and the nature of the injury from the previous game, he explained that he felt something off in his heel and, although he could have returned, he didn’t want to risk further injury. “Tonight, I felt like I just had it going. I had a good rhythm, and the guys fed me the ball when I had the opportunity,” Henderson added.
This game started off close in Coral Gables. The Panthers lead by as much as five inside the final four minutes of the first half. Miami tied the score at 43 before the end of the period with a layup from Malik Reneau as time expired.
Earlier in the half, the Canes appeared dominant, ripping off a 9-0 run before FIU’s Hamed Olayinka stopped the surge with an and-one layup. Miami entered the bonus with more than half of the first period remaining, seemingly setting the stage for a commanding half, but the Panthers stayed disciplined. FIU eventually took its first lead of the game, 34-32, with just over five minutes left before halftime.
Reneau and Henderson combined for 30 points in the first half, accounting for nearly 70 percent of Miami’s total. Offensively, Miami struggled to apply early pressure at the rim, often failing to attack within the first seven seconds of the shot clock and allowing FIU to consistently force late-clock possessions. Defensively, the issues were familiar, as discipline and overall effort once again lagged behind, echoing problems seen in the previous two games.
The second half, however, was a major contrast, as Miami addressed both issues early on, each to varying degrees. For example, Miami forced a shot clock violation on the opening possession of the second period, but still allowed 38 points in the second half. However, they did score eight straight points in one minute and six seconds, as a fastbreak Timo Malovec three-pointer forced an FIU timeout early in the period, highlighting their offensive urgency. The Hurricanes would eventually grow their lead to 16 with about three and a half minutes left, but FIU wasn’t letting go. Ultimately, the Hurricanes would do enough to pull away and earn their 10th win of the season, with a margin of victory of 17.
As noted, this marked the third consecutive game in which Jai Lucas’ team lacked defensive intensity. When asked how frustrating the recurring issue has been and how he is attempting to address it, especially after emphasizing it in recent games, Lucas said that, with the break approaching, his primary focus is keeping his players engaged. He stressed the importance of reminding them that games against mid-major programs are crucial, as they help establish the foundation needed for ACC play.