The University of Miami men’s basketball team snapped its six-game losing streak to Florida State Tuesday night, defeating the Seminoles 83-73 inside the Donald L. Tucker Center behind strong performances from Malik Reneau and Tre Donaldson.
Behind strong performances from Malik Reneau and Tre Donaldson, the Hurricanes controlled much of the contest and closed the game with authority in the final minutes to improve to 22-6 overall and 11-4 in ACC play under first-year head coach Jai Lucas.
Miami dictated the tempo for most of the opening half and carried a 38-32 lead into the locker room. The Hurricanes built a small cushion midway through the period after Timo Malovec knocked down a three-pointer and Reneau finished at the rim with a dunk to stretch the lead.
Florida State briefly trimmed the deficit to two late in the half, but Miami answered before the break. With the Hurricanes holding a one-point lead in the closing moments, Tru Washington delivered a key stretch by scoring seven of Miami’s final 10 points, including a three-pointer just before halftime to give Miami momentum heading into the second half.
Miami continued to control the game early after the break. A Shelton Henderson and-one followed by a Donaldson three-pointer pushed the Hurricanes’ lead to double digits within the first few minutes.
Florida State later mounted a push and briefly tied the game during a 13-3 run midway through the half, but Miami quickly regained control. The Hurricanes responded with a 9-2 surge highlighted by baskets from Reneau and Donaldson to move back in front by seven.
From there, Donaldson took over down the stretch. The Tallahassee native delivered several key buckets, including two mid-range jumpers and a three-pointer that extended Miami’s lead to 11 points, the largest margin of the night.
Florida State made a final push late, but Miami remained composed. With the Hurricanes holding a four-point lead in the final minutes, Donaldson split a pair of free throws before Reneau grabbed the offensive rebound and converted the putback to stretch the advantage to seven and effectively put the game away. Miami then converted five of its final six free throws to secure the victory.
Reneau finished with a game-high 23 points and recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass. Donaldson added 21 points and six assists, scoring 15 of his points after halftime.
Washington chipped in 11 points while Henderson added 10. Ernest Udeh Jr. contributed seven points and seven rebounds.
Miami controlled the interior throughout the night, outrebounding Florida State 42-23 and outscoring the Seminoles 42-30 in the paint. The Hurricanes shot 52.5 percent from the field overall and were especially efficient after halftime, shooting 58.6 percent in the second half.
The Hurricanes will return to the Watsco Center for their next game as Miami hosts Boston College on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the ACC Network.
