Virginia shot 54.9 percent and held off Miami 82-71, with the inability of the Hurricanes to get key stops down the stretch playing a big role in this one. Miami trailed 64-60 with 4:48 remaining, but Virginia scored on its next three possessions to hold off the Hurricanes. Virginia took control of the game in the first half with a 14-0 run to take a 23-14 lead.
The lead remained at least six for the rest of the first half and Virginia led 40-29 at halftime. Miami got as close as 47-44 with 13:28 remaining in the game. The Hurricanes were within four or five points a few times in the second half, but the Cavaliers always had an answer. Miami last trailed by five (76-71) with 49 seconds remaining.
Virginia made 10 of 12 free throws in the last 2:45 to end any chance for a Miami comeback. Isaac McKneely led all scorers with 26, Taine Murray had 20 and Blake Buchanan scored 16 for Virginia. Matthew Cleveland continued scoring at a high rate for Miami with 27 points. Brandon Johnson was the only other Hurricane in double figures with 13.
McKneely and Murray scorched Miami on 3-point shots. McKneely made six of his 12 3-point attempts and Murray made four of six. Virginia finished 11-24 on 3-point attempts. Virginia closed the game with a 6-0 run and made its final three shots of the game. Miami made four of its last five shots, but it wasn't enough.
Final: Virginia 82, Miami 71
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) January 30, 2025
Miami shot 51 percent from the floor, but continued its poor 3-point shooting making only six of their 19 attempts. The Hurricanes outscored the Cavaliers 21-6 off the bench, but had 12 assists to 20 for Virginia. Miami lost its 20th straight ACC game on Wednesday night.
Notre Dame is at Miami on Saturday night with an 8 p.m. tip-off. Notre Dame has won two in a row, including a 74-59 win over Virginia on Saturday. The Fighting Irish are 10-10 overall and 4-5 in the ACC. The ESPN Basketball Power Index projects Notre Dame with a 57.4 percent chance of beating Miami.