The Miami Hurricanes have achieved a significant milestone, extending their winning streak to an impressive nine games following a decisive 91-81 triumph over Georgia Tech. This victory was largely orchestrated by Tre Donaldson, who delivered an exceptional performance, marking a new career high with 27 points, complemented by 10 assists and three steals. The team's collective effort and strategic play were evident throughout the game, showcasing their formidable presence on the court.
Donaldson’s impactful play was particularly critical during the latter stages of the game when the outcome hung in the balance. He single-handedly accounted for seven consecutive points for Miami, converting two crucial free throws with just over two minutes remaining, sinking a pull-up jumper at the 1:23 mark, and sealing his stellar offensive run with a three-pointer in the final minute. This clutch performance underscored his invaluable contribution to the team's success.
Beyond Donaldson's heroics, Miami benefited from a well-rounded team effort. Malik Reneau contributed 18 points, while Shelton Henderson added 17 points and three steals, bolstering the Hurricanes' offensive and defensive capabilities. Ernest Udeh Jr. was a force in the paint, recording 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, highlighting Miami's dominance on the boards. Donaldson's shooting accuracy was notable, hitting 8 of 13 from the field, 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, and an impressive 8 of 9 from the free-throw line.
This current season marks a significant turnaround for the Hurricanes (14-2, 3-0 ACC), who have already matched their ACC win total from the previous season when they finished 3-17. The team, which concluded last season with a 7-24 overall record, has shown remarkable improvement under the guidance of new head coach Jai Lucas and with a completely revamped roster. This transformation has elevated Miami's competitive standing within the conference.
In contrast, Georgia Tech (10-7, 1-3) struggled to gain momentum throughout the game, never holding a lead and ultimately suffering their second consecutive loss. Lamar Washington led the Yellow Jackets with 21 points, 12 assists, and three steals, while Kowacie Reeves Jr. contributed a team-best 23 points. Baye Ndongo added 16 points and seven rebounds before fouling out. Despite Georgia Tech's bench outscoring Miami's 18-9, the Hurricanes established an early lead, going up 9-0 and 15-2, and maintained a comfortable 47-33 advantage by halftime. Although the Yellow Jackets managed to cut the deficit to 77-72 in the second half, they were unable to overcome Miami's persistent lead.
The Hurricanes' shooting efficiency was a key factor in their victory, as they connected on 51.7% of their field goals, 40% of their three-pointers, and 65.6% of their free throws. Georgia Tech also showed decent shooting, hitting 45.6% from the field, 42.9% from three-point range, and 85.2% from the free-throw line. Miami also held an advantage in points in the paint (34-28) and fast-break points (10-8), further solidifying their control over the game. This comprehensive performance underscores Miami's enhanced capabilities and their promising trajectory for the season.