Connecticut dominated the Miami basketball team in a game they controlled except for a 5:10-minute stretch in the first half. After Miami had a 15-5 run to tie the game at 19, Connecticut answered by outscoring Miami 18-5 to take a 37-24 lead at halftime. Miami played UConn even in the second half losing 72-59.
Connecticut was the only team to hold Miami under 60 points this season. Miami wasn’t able to get closer than eight in the second half. The Hurricanes entered the game 14th nationally shooting 48.4 percent from the floor. Connecticut held Miami to 20 of 62 from the floor shooting 32.3 percent.
Bensley Joseph who made three of his six shots from the field was the only Miami basketball player to finish at 50 percent. Isaiah Wong led Miami with 15 points and Jordan Miller with 11 was the only other Hurricane in double figures. Miller and Wong each finished 4-10 from the floor.
Miami made a respectable seven of its 20 three-point attempts. Connecticut outrebounded Miami 41 to 32 and had a 19 to 10 assist advantage. The Huskies also had five blocks to one for the Hurricanes. Miami committed only eight turnovers to 14 for UConn but were unable to take advantage of the takeaways.
Miami falls to UConn in the Final Four.
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) April 2, 2023
What a run. Thank you, Miami. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/te7u3Jdh1E
Miami made all 12 free throws with Connecticut making seven of 13 from the line. Connecticut began the game with three straight three-point shots while holding Miami scoreless. The Huskies extended the lead to 14-4 before the 15-5 Hurricanes run tied the score at 19. Jim Larranaga stated Miami was out of sync offensively.
Larranaga also thought the enormity of NRG Stadium hindered the shooting for Miami. During his post-game press conference, Larranaga also stated that Miami was out of sync defensively and offensively and that the Hurricanes played out of character. Connecticut’s defense and length bothered Miami.
Per Larranaga’s comments the moment Miami have been too big for the Hurricanes. Miami was often rushed offensively. The Hurricanes advanced one step further this season after reaching the Elite Eight in 2022. Miami should return most of its team next season. Jordan Miller is the only Hurricane out of eligibility.