Miami basketball throughly dominates Duke in convicing win
The Miami basketball team never trailed in an 81-59 win over Duke on Monday night. Duke and Miami were tied for only 39 seconds on Monday night. Miami earned a thorough team victory. Miami led 13-1 before Duke scored from the floor and led by double figures for most of the game.
Four Hurricanes finished in double figures with Norchad Omier with 17 points and 11 rebounds for his 11th double-double of the season. Miami improves to 10-4 and moves into a virtual second-place tie in the ACC with Pittsburgh and Virginia a half-game behind Clemson. The Hurricanes defeated the Cavaliers and Tigers.
Miami’s defense was the difference versus Duke. The Hurricanes held the Blue Devils to 40.7 percent from the floor, 5-19 on three-point field goal attempts and forced 21 turnovers. Miami had a 17-7 advantage in fast break points and 24-9 in edge in second-chance points. The Hurricanes led 40-26 at halftime.
Miami shot 47.8 percent from the floor, made seven of its 17 three-point attempts and 10 of 11 free throws. Miami neutralized a much bigger Duke team featuring two seven-footers by playing more physically and out-rebounding the Blue Devils 38-31. Miami outscored Duke 41-33 in the second half.
Jordan Miller was sensational with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Duke was led by Derrick Lively and Ryan Young with 11 points each. Kyle Filipowski who is the prohibitive favorite to earn ACC Rookie of the Year finished with nine points and nine rebounds. Filipowski was scoreless and had no boards in the second half.
Miami extended their 40-26 halftime lead at halftime by scoring the first nine points of the second half. Duke was never closer in the second half than the 14-point deficit at halftime. Miami earns a split of the season series with Duke after losing 68-66 in Durham last month. Miami hosts Louisville on Saturday.
Next. Miami basketball rises in polls for first time in 5 weeks. dark
Miami moved up in the Associated Press Top 25 and USA Today Coaches polls released on Monday. Against Louisville on Saturday Miami will be a huge favorite. The impressive win over Duke should impress the voters followed up with an expected win versus Louisville. Miami is on pace for a double bye in the ACC Tournament.