The Miami Hurricanes defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 91-81 in what was Miami’s third ACC win of the season Saturday afternoon.
The main difference between this contest and the first two wins over Pittsburgh and Wake Forest was the margin of victory and the effectiveness of Miami’s shots from behind the arc, especially in the first half. Although Miami’s first three ACC games have come down to the wire, this game was won in double digits. Moreover, Miami averaged only 20 three-point attempts and converted on just 20 percent of them in the first two matchups. While they still only shot about 20 in this one, they converted on 40 percent of them.
When Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas was asked if his team’s success from three was based on matchup, he explained that from watching film in preparation for this game, he knew that they packed the paint defensively, and then from there it was just getting his players confident enough to know that when they see certain looks, they have to be ready to shoot it from three.
The Hurricanes came out red hot to begin the game, starting with a 9-0 run and then growing their lead to 13 as the score reached 15-2. Coach Lucas commented on his team’s sluggishness when it came to starting these Saturday noon games early on in the season, but that mental issue seemed to be in the past. Shelton Henderson’s fast break slams highlighted that run, forcing Georgia Tech to burn a timeout not even three minutes into the game. The five-star true freshman had himself an incredible start to the game, scoring seven points before the first media timeout at 15:56 to play in the first period.
Miami’s dominance to start wasn’t only because of their offense, as their defense only allowed two made field goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. However, fouls did not help any team in the first period, as Georgia Tech entered the bonus with over 10 minutes to play. Miami ended the half with 14 fouls, and Georgia Tech ended with 12. The score at half was 47-33, Miami’s largest lead up to that point.
To begin the second half, Miami’s dominant first-half performance turned into a back-and-forth scoring fest, with minimal defense being played on either side. Although Coach Lucas would have preferred his defense to suffocate Georgia Tech’s offense, the Yellow Jackets would not be able to live in a back-and-forth game and come away with a win. However, late in the game, Georgia Tech began chipping away at Miami’s lead and eventually got the score within five after a 6-0 run. Miami called a timeout and immediately responded with a Timo Malovec three-pointer.
Tre Donaldson was incredible in the clutch, continuing to make big-time mid-range shots and one massive three-pointer with just over 30 seconds left in the game. Ultimately, Miami would keep their lead around 10 points for the remainder of the game and hold on late, winning by 10, with the final score being 91-81.
Georgia Tech head coach Damon Stoudamire displayed his discontent in his team’s lack of what he called a “go-to guy” in games like these. Fortunately for Coach Lucas, he has a few of them. Saturday, it was Tre Donaldson. Donaldson has become one of the most efficient point guards in the country when it comes to assist to turnover ratio, and Saturday, he added 27 points to his statline. Additionally, Ernest Udeh Jr. had a profound impact offensively with 13 points as well as 15 rebounds, including four offensive boards.
Next Up
Miami will travel to South Bend to face Notre Dame on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The two athletic programs have increased tensions after the controversial decision by the College Football Playoff Committee to place Miami in the playoff after defeating Notre Dame in Week 1 of the regular season. Maybe that will translate to the basketball court.