The Miami Hurricanes showcased their resilience last night, overcoming a rocky performance at the free-throw line to secure a 79-70 victory against the Stanford Cardinal. The game, held at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida, improved Miami’s record to an impressive 17-4 overall and 6-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This win not only boosts their standing but also highlights their ability to adapt under pressure.

Despite struggling with free-throw shooting—finishing with 19 attempts, though the exact number made wasn’t specified—Miami’s head coach Jai Lucas emphasized the significance of free throws in drawing fouls and creating second-chance scoring opportunities. The team’s defensive prowess was on full display, generating 13 turnovers and limiting Stanford’s offensive output, paving the way for the Hurricanes’ crucial late-game run.

Key Players Shine

Freshman Dante Allen maintained his starting role, while Tre Donaldson made a notable return to the starting five, which saw Tru Washington move to the bench. Donaldson shone brightly during the game, contributing 18 points, along with 3 assists and 3 rebounds. On the other side, Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie led his team with 19 points on 21 shots, prompting Miami to employ various defensive strategies to contain his scoring threat.

While freshman Shelton Henderson had an off night offensively, his defensive efforts against Okorie were commendable. Timo Malovec, who faced challenges at the free-throw line early on, found his rhythm later in the game, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers that helped cut into Stanford’s lead. Miami’s determination culminated in a remarkable 14-2 run over the final six minutes, sealing their victory.

Looking Ahead

As Miami prepares to host Cal this Saturday at 4 p.m. Eastern on the ACC Network, the team will look to build on this momentum. Closing the game with an impressive 10-12 from the free-throw line demonstrates their ability to come through in clutch moments, an essential quality as they push for a strong finish to the season.

For more insights on this thrilling game and the Hurricanes’ performance, check out the full article on SI.com.