Miami had its closest game since an 86-85 loss at Virginia Tech three weeks ago before losing 98-94 in overtime at California on Saturday night. A Matthew Cleveland three-point shot with one second left in regulation sent the game to overtime tied at 79. California outscored Miami 19-15 in overtime to earn the win.
Cleveland continued to lead Miami with 30 points for the second time in three games. Brandon Johnson had 16 and Paul Djobet 12 before they both fouled out. Jalil Bethea was the other Hurricane in double figures with 11. Miami played without Lynn Kidd in a coach's decision per the ESPNU broadcast.
California led by as many as 11 points at 47-36 with 45 seconds remaining in the first half. A three-point shot by Cleveland with 26 seconds remaining cut the deficit to 47-39 which was the halftime score. Miami outscored California 40-32 in the second half with Cleveland scoring 17 points.
California was led by freshman guard Jeremiah Wilkinson matched Cleveland's 30 points. D.J. Campbell scored 22 and Jovan Blacksher scored 11 as the other Bears in double figures. California outrebounded Miami 41-34 and had a 42-28 edge on points in the paint.
Final (OT): Cal 98, Miami 94
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Miami had a 43-21 advantage in bench points. Most of that came from Cleveland as interim head coach Bill Courtney had a few major lineup changes. Miami started Kiree Huie in place of Kidd at center, Brandon Johnson and Paul Djobet at the forwards and Jalil Bethea and A.J. Stanton-McCray at the guards.
After California and Miami exchanged field goals in overtime, the Golden Bears went on a 7-0 run to take control of the game and never trailed. Campbell scored nine points in the overtime to help California earn the win. California was 12-16 from the free throw line and made all three of its field goals in overtime.
Miami returns home Wednesday to host Virginia who is also led by an interim head coach, Ron Sanchez. Virginia is 9-11 overall and 2-7 in the ACC. Miami has its best chance to earn its first ACC win in the next two games. Notre Dame is at Miami next Saturday. The Fighting Irish are 9-10 overall and 3-5 in the ACC.