Miami Hurricanes Secure First Road Win of the Season Against Virginia Tech

The Miami Hurricanes clinched their first road victory of the 2023-24 season, edging out the Virginia Tech Hokies with a closely contested 75-71 win. The win marks a significant rebound for Miami, especially after their recent loss to Louisville.

The game began with Virginia Tech displaying superior play, leading the game until the end of the first half. With just under two minutes remaining before halftime and trailing 30-21, Miami’s momentum shifted thanks to Wooga Poplar’s crucial three-pointer. This sparked a rally, bringing the Hurricanes within one point at the break, 30-29.

The second half witnessed a gripping back-and-forth battle, with Miami eventually outshooting the Hokies. Despite a standout performance from Virginia Tech’s Sean Pedulla, who scored an impressive 33 points, it wasn’t enough to secure victory for the Hokies.

In the final three minutes, Miami showcased their ability to make big plays. Freshman Kyshawn George’s pivotal three-pointer off the backboard put Miami ahead 69-66. Virginia Tech’s Pedulla quickly responded, but Miami’s Nijel Pack countered with a remarkable 12-foot floater, contributing to his 19-point haul.

Miami’s victory wasn’t just about scoring; their resilience in defense played a crucial role. Matthew Cleveland led the Hurricanes with 21 points, followed by Omier with 14, Poplar with 11, George with 6, and Bensley Joseph adding 4 points.

For Virginia Tech, the absence of defensive ace Hunter Cattoor was felt. The Hokies did manage to maintain a rebounding edge, thanks primarily to Pedulla’s career-high 10 rebounds. Lynn Kidd also made a significant impact for the Hokies, especially in the second half.

The game was neck-and-neck until the closing minutes. With 1:14 left, Pack’s driving runner gave Miami a 71-68 lead. After some missed opportunities by Virginia Tech, Miami sealed their win with key plays, including Omier’s layup and Pack’s free throw in the final seconds.

This victory for Miami (12-4, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) ended their two-game losing streak and handed Virginia Tech (10-6, 2-3) their first home loss of the season. The Hurricanes showcased an impressive 65.2 percent shooting accuracy in the second half, including successful 3-point attempts.

Miami’s next challenge will be against Florida State at the Watsco Center. The upcoming game is set to be a crucial encounter for both teams, promising another exciting chapter in the season.

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