Miller Leads Miami to Road Win Over North Carolina

Norchad Omier has been the anchor for the Hurricanes throughout their now 21-win season. He has, despite being only 6-foot-7, brought consistency on both ends of the floor when matched up against much taller players. Monday night’s meeting with North Carolina presented what was expected to be Omier’s toughest challenge yet: a bout with Armando Bacot.

Bacot is the heart of the Tar Heels. He entered the game averaging 17.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, both of which were team highs. 

Omier wasn’t the UM frontcourt player who led the ‘Canes to their 80-72 win; however, it was Jordan Miller.

The 6-foot-7 Miller, who’s been the team’s starting power forward the past two seasons despite being listed as a guard, stepped up in a huge way for Miami when Omier picked up his second foul of the game with 12:41 remaining in the first half, forcing him to sit until halftime.

Miller, along with forwards Anthony Walker and AJ Casey, kept the Hurricanes afloat during this stretch. The fifth-year senior had nine points and seven rebounds during the opening half and continued this high level of play into the closing period. Miller led UM with 24 points and a season-high 11 rebounds, both of which were also game highs.

“We just had to battle through adversity,” Miller told ESPN after the game. “We’ve been in this spot before during the season.”

The ‘Canes held a 35-34 lead at the break and expanded their advantage even more once play resumed, starting the second half on a 19-6 run to give UM its largest lead of the day.

Carolina (16-10, 8-7 ACC) kept chipping away at the deficit and cut Miami’s lead to as little as four with 36 seconds remaining. UM, which made 22 of its 26 free throws, iced the game from the charity stripe by shooting 10-of-12 from the line during the game’s last minute.

In addition to Miller, Miami (21-5, 12-4 ACC) was also led by guard Nijel Pack, who tied his season high in scoring with 23 points.

The Heels were led by sensational play from their guard duo of RJ Davis and Caleb Love. The two combined for 43 points. Bacot ended the game with 12 points, connecting on his lone shot attempt of the second half after a 10-point performance in the opening period.

The Hurricanes will look to extend their winning streak to six, as they play Wake Forest on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Watsco Center.