Miami ends 7 game losing streak decisively beating Presbyterian

Miami shot a season-high 67.3 percent from the floor in a 94-75 win over Presbyterian on Sunday to end a seven-game losing streak. The Hurricanes made their last 14 shots of the first half and first four in the second to pad to their efficient shooting performance.

Three Miami players scored in double figures led by Matthew Cleveland with 24. Presbyterian had five players finish in double figures led by Kory Mincy with 14. Miami was playing without leading scorer Nijel Pack missed the loss to Tennessee on Tuesday and could remain sidelined through the game versus Mount St. Mary's on Saturday.

Miami was also without freshman forward Isaiah Johnson-Irigu. Jim Larranaga continued to change the starting lineup with A.J. Stanton-McCray and Divine Ugochukwu beginning the game in the Miami backcourt. Matthew Cleveland, Brandon Johnson and Lynn Kidd started for Miami upfront.

Miami dominated the game on the frontline. Cleveland, Johnson and Kidd combined to score 66 points on 26-32 from the floor with 21 rebounds. Miami outrebounded Presbyterian 35-23 and had a 52-36 edge in points in the paint. The Hurricanes gradually extended a 16-13 lead to 49-33 at halftime.

Miami scored the first seven points of the second half and had a comfortable lead after that. Kidd scored 14 and Johnson 13 to carry Miami in the first half. Cleveland scored 20 of the 45 Miami points in the second half. The 24 points for Cleveland were his high with Miami.

Miami is off until Saturday when it hosts Mount St. Mary's. After Mount St. Mary's, Miami is off until January 1 when it begins ACC play at Boston College. Virginia Tech hosts Miami on January 4 and the Hurricanes will play its first ACC home game on January 8 versus Florida State. FSU has won 12 out of the last 13 versus Miami.