Did Miami Hurricanes' Late Surge Fall Short Against Wake Forest Demon Deacons?

In a closely contested matchup, the Miami (FL) Hurricanes faced off against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, culminating in an 88-78 victory for the visitors. The game, held at Watsco Center in Coral Gables, saw both teams fiercely competing until the final buzzer. The Hurricanes now stand with a record that reflects their hard-fought battles this season, while the Demon Deacons improved their standing with this win.

Game Highlights

The Demon Deacons showcased a strong offensive performance right from the start, leading by 14 points at their peak. Their efficiency on the field was evident with a 55 percent field goal percentage and an impressive 66 percent from two-point range. Additionally, they capitalized on turnovers, scoring 13 points off turnovers and dominating in paint with 50 points.

On the other side of the court, Miami (FL) Hurricanes fought valiantly to close the gap. Despite trailing behind in scoring for most of the game, they managed to make significant strides in reducing Wake Forest's lead. The home team excelled in rebounds grabbing 39 compared to Wake Forest's 30 and scored more bench points (21). Their defensive efforts were highlighted by blocking five shots and making seven steals.

Star Performances

Matthew Cleveland emerged as a standout player for Miami (FL), contributing significantly with his game-high of 22 points on an efficient shooting night where he made over half his attempts from beyond the arc and inside it as well. His defensive prowess was also on display with two blocks. Jalil Bethea added another layer of offense with his contribution of 13 points alongside four assists and showcasing his versatility across both ends of the floor.

Despite these individual performances and a spirited second-half rally where they outscored Wake Forest by three points after halftime adjustments were made by coach Jim Larrañaga's squad couldn't overcome their opponent’s early lead.

Looking ahead, Miami (FL) Hurricanes will face another tough challenge as they travel to Durham to take on Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 14th at 9:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch all action live on ESPN as both teams vie for supremacy within conference play.

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