Miami shows its Tru colors with improbable final minute comeback beating NC State

Miami overcame a seven-point deficit in the final minute to win 77-76 at North Carolina State on Saturday. Trailing 76-74, Tru Washington was fouled on a three-point attempt with three seconds left and made his trio of free throws to provide the final 77-76 margin.

Miami got a stop with Matt Abel missing a desperation shot on the buzzer. Washington making the three free throws to win the game for Miami provided an improbable finish. Miami finished the game making 10 out of its 20 free throw attempts on Saturday.

Miami got back into the game in the final minute by forcing a pair of turnovers. Malik Reneau began the comeback on a layup with 52 seconds left, was fouled and made the subsequent free throw to cut the deficit to 76-74. Dante Allen got a steal on the ensuing North Carolina State possession.

Washington scored on an offensive rebound with 32 seconds left after Reneau missed a three-point shot. Donaldson got another steal on the next possession. Donaldson drove to the basket and was fouled but missed the front end of a one-and-one.

Quadir Copeland missed the front end of a one-and-one for North Carolina State with 12 seconds remaining. Shelton Henderon got the rebound and Miami called timeout. Miami worked the ball around to Washington, who got fouled.

Reneau led Miami with 26 points and had six rebounds. Henderson scored 17 and led Miami with nine rebounds. Donaldson scored 14 with five rebounds and four assists and Washington finished with 13 after missing the three previous games.

Five North Carolina State players finished in double figures, led by Able and Ven-Allen Lubin with 17. The game was competitive throughout, with North Carolina State holding the largest lead for either team at 45-37 in the second half. The Wolfpack led 42-37 at halftime.

Miami moves into sole possession of fourth place in the ACC at 9-3 with the win. Virginia is in second place in the ACC with a 10-2 record. Miami is at Virginia next Saturday. The top four teams in the ACC receive double byes in the conference tournament. Miami is 20-5 overall and hosts Virginia Tech on Tuesday.