Omier, Miller Lead Miami’s Domination Over Duke

In the days leading up to Monday’s clash between Miami and Duke, the stage was being set for one of the most hyped games of UM’s season. Fans flooded Watsco Center sporting mostly white shirts – given that it was the Hurricanes’ “white-out” game – and Miami’s student section was sold out and filled to the brim.

This abundance of students and fans was treated to one of Miami’s most complete games this season, as the Hurricanes thrashed Duke, 81-59.

“Everyone that came to tonight’s game is welcome back,” UM head coach Jim Larrañaga said. “The students were packed out, that’s what ACC basketball is all about. We really are headed in the right direction, because it’s getting better and better.”

Forward Norchad Omier anchored the paint for the ‘Canes on both ends of the floor. The Arkansas State transfer finished with a game-high 17 points and 10 rebounds and battled with highly touted Duke freshman forward Kyle Filipowki, who ended with nine points and nine rebounds.

Veteran guard Jordan Miller also spearheaded Miami’s offensive success, scoring 16 points, 14 of which were in the first half. He also competed on the boards, snagging five rebounds and keeping the Blue Devils from controlling that aspect of the game.

“The elevation of his game, the advancement he has made offensively and defensively is amazing,” Larrañaga said about Omier. “He has such a high ceiling, and the sky is the ceiling.”

Miami extended its lead thanks to a pair of scoring runs to open each half.

UM (19-5, 10-4 ACC) used the surrounding atmosphere to its advantage by climbing out to an early 13-1 lead in the game’s first three minutes. Coming out of the halftime break up 40-26, the Hurricanes went on a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 23. 

In both instances, the Hurricanes managed their sizable leads and prevented the Blue Devils (17-7, 8-5 ACC) from creating any real momentum. 

Miami’s defense also had one of its top outings of the season, limiting Duke to a 40.7% field-goal clip as well as forcing 19 turnovers. The Hurricanes scored 18 points off of these takeaways.

With the win, Larrañaga improves to an 8-9 record against Duke since arriving at Miami in 2011. UM also improved to 13-0 this season while playing at the Watsco Center.

“We’re just looking to carry this momentum into the rest of the season,” Miller said.

The Hurricanes will wrap up their two-game homestand on Saturday at 7 p.m. when they play Louisville. Miami dominated its first matchup against the Cardinals this season, defeating them 80-53 at the KFC Yum! Center on Dec. 4.