Miami basketball stung often this season not closing games

Duke led for almost the entire second half, but Miami had their chances late in Durham. Bad shots and three turnovers in the last 3:29 cost Miami at Duke. Miami failed on multiple chances to tie or take the lead in the closing minutes at Duke and lost 68-66. The biggest collapse in that stretch was at Pittsburgh a week later.

After a resounding 86-63 win at Florida State Miami traveled to Pittsburgh. Miami opened a nine-point lead early in the second half and led 68-60 with 2:26 remaining on a Wooga Poplar dunk. Pittsburgh closed the game on an 11-0 run as Miami missed three shots and had three turnovers losing 71-70.

Miami appeared to get over its liability to close games out during a seven-game winning streak. That reared its ugly head again on Sunday. Miami collapsed defensively in the second half versus Florida State. The Seminoles shot 67.7 percent, had one turnover to eight for Miami and had a 10-1 advantage in points off turnovers.

If Miami wants to have another deep March the Hurricanes have to be able to close games out. With the ACC regular season title and number one seed in the conference tournament, the game versus Pittsburgh on Saturday will give Miami a good inaugural contest to begin their March 2023 run.