Virginia leads from start to finish in 59-50 victory over Miami Hurricanes

Speaking to UM Play-by-Play announcer Joe Zagacki after the game Miami Assistant Coach Chris Caputo mentioned that the Hurricanes missed Brown’s physicality, defense and playmaking ability on offense.

Virginia controlled the game from start to finish. Miami shot the ball much better in the second half but was never able to make the push to take the lead. The Hurricanes shot 12 for 19 from the floor and four for nine after halftime.

To beat a team as good as Virginia a team has to play 40 minutes, not 20. The Cavaliers shot 12-26 in the second half.

Devin Hunter came off the bench for the Wahoos to lead them with 22 points. Guard Kyle Guy was their only other player in double figures with 13. Chris Lykes was the only Miami Hurricanes player in double figures with 19. Ebuka Izundu also had an outstanding game with eight points on four of six from the floor.

No one else on the Hurricanes stepped up Lykes and Izundu combined to shoot 10 for 18 from the floor. The rest of the Hurricanes shot eight for 29.

After eight consecutive games in double figures, Lonnie Walker failed to reach double figures for the second straight game. If Miami is going to succeed without Brown down the stretch, they need Walker to score every game.

Miami drops to 7-6 and seventh place in the ACC with the loss. They are 18-7 overall. The battle for a top-four spot and a double bye in the ACC Tournament is tight. Two and a half games separate third place Duke and ninth place Boston College with two and a half weeks remaining in the regular season.

Next: How does release of In-season NCAA bracket affect Miami Hurricanes?

Next game: Miami remains at home Saturday for a matchup with the Syracuse Orange. Syracuse is 17-8 overall and 7-6 in the ACC. They host North Carolina State on Wednesday night.