Miami basketball escapes with late run to defeat Clemson in ACC opener
The Miami basketball team used a 19-5 run to end the game after taking their first lead on the way to an 80-75 victory over Clemson on Saturday afternoon at the Watsco Center. A Jordan Miller three-point field goal with 2:55 remaining gave Miami their first lead of the game. Miami improves to 6-3 with the victory.
The Hurricanes used good balance for the second straight game with four players in double figures. Sam Waardenburg led Miami in scoring for the second straight game with 18 points. Kameron McGusty scored 15, Isaiah Wong and Miller 13 and Charlie Moore eight. Miami outscored Clemson 46-35 in the second half.
Miami turned up their defense in the second half. Clemson made seven of its 12 three-point attempts in the first half, just two of nine in the second half. The Hurricanes were able to overcome a 39-21 rebounding deficit by forcing 18 turnovers while committing only eight. Miami trailed 40-34 at halftime.
Miller was critical in the second half. The George Mason transfer scored all 13 of his points in the second half on five of six from the floor and three of four three-point attempts. Waardenburg scored 10 after halftime and Wong eight. Clemson finished with four players in double figures led by P.J. Hall with 18.
The Miami basketball team shot the ball exceptionally well in the second half. Miami made 60 percent from the floor, six of their 13 three-point shots and 10 of 12 from the free-throw line. Miami made 11 of their 25 three-point attempts and 15 of 17 free throws for the game. The Miami starting five all played 30 minutes or more.
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The Hurricanes did get better bench play than they recently have. Miami had 17 points off the bench. The Hurricanes were able to overcome Clemson holding the lead for 35:41 to just 2:55 for Miami. Miami is off until Wednesday when they host Lipscomb in their first of their last three non-conference games of 2021-22.