Miami basketball fades in second half loss to Virginia

The Miami basketball team lost a chance to move up into a tie with Notre Dame for second place in the ACC with a 74-71 loss to Virginia on Saturday at the Watsco Center. After extending an eight-point halftime lead to 10 early in the second half, Miami allowed a 23-4 Virginia run. The Cavaliers never trailed after that.

Miami closed the deficit to two twice but was never able to regain the lead. The Hurricanes shot 38.9 percent in the second half and made just three of their 10 three-point attempts. With Charlie Moore in foul trouble, Bensley Joseph played 18 minutes and made just one of his 10 field goal attempts.

Four Miami basketball players finished in double figures. Kameron McGusty scored 20 points 6-13 from the floor and made three of his six three-point shots. Jordan Miller scored 15 and had six rebounds. Moore had 14 and Issiah Wong 10 with a team co-leading seven rebounds with Sam Waardenburg.

Miami held Virginia to 37 percent shooting and one of eight on three-point attempts in the first half. Virginia shot 62.5 percent from the floor in the second half and made four of eight three-point attempts. Miami won or was close to most of the battles they needed to win. Defense and shooting let them down in the second half.

Miami only committed six turnovers, but only forced 11 by Virginia. The Hurricanes had a 42-24 advantage in points in the paint and were only outrebounded 36-33. Virginia outscored Miami 44-33 in the second half. Wong who has been sensational in the second half this season scored three points on 1-3 shooting after halftime.

Miami goes back on the road on Tuesday at Pittsburgh. The Panthers entered their game on Saturday against Georgia Tech 11-16. Miami has four games remaining in the regular season. The Hurricanes will host Senior Day next Saturday versus Virginia Tech. Miami closes the season at Boston College and Syracuse.