CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes returned home triumphantly after a significant 83-73 victory against rival Florida State, stepping back onto the court energized after a tough close loss to No. 14 Virginia. As they prepare to host Boston College in what is one of the last home games of the regular season, the team is focused on maintaining their momentum.
This season has presented its fair share of challenges for the Hurricanes, particularly with injuries affecting the roster. However, their resilience has become evident as they showcase their ability to compete against top-tier teams when it matters most. The crucial question now revolves around their consistency and capacity to perform at a high level, even with several players not at full strength.
Head coach Jai Lucas is working to unite the team during this final stretch, as they aim to secure advantageous positioning for both the NCAA Tournament and the ACC Tournament. Currently sitting in third place in the standings, the Hurricanes have an opportunity to achieve a double-bye in the upcoming tournament, making their next games pivotal for solidifying their spot.
One player to keep an eye on is Tru Washington, who has made a remarkable impact since returning to the lineup. His recent performances include scoring 11 points, acquiring seven rebounds, and recording four steals against Florida State. Washington’s offensive prowess from the three-point line, combined with his defensive capabilities, has made him an essential asset off the bench, proving to be the Hurricanes’ x-factor during crucial moments.
In their last encounter against Boston College, the Hurricanes relied on Malik Reneau’s impressive 23 points to secure a narrow victory. Meanwhile, the Eagles are coming off a surprising win, managing to snap an eight-game losing streak with a last-second victory against Wake Forest, featuring standout performance from Fred Payne, who scored 23 points in that game.
The matchup will take place at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables on Saturday, February 28, at 2:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ACCN and radio on WQAM 104.3.
As both teams approach this pivotal contest, the Hurricanes aim to continue their upward trajectory and extend their winning streak in a high-pressure environment, further solidifying their status as serious contenders as the season draws to a close. The resilience and tenacity shown by this Miami team carry an optimistic outlook for their future games, fueling hope among their fans.