Miami defeats Pitt 76-69
Miami Edges Pitt in Thrilling Conference Showdown
The Miami Hurricanes hosted the Pitt Panthers at Watsco Center on New Year's Eve, and it was a game that will be remembered for its thrilling comeback and outstanding performances from both teams.
The Hurricanes came out strong, leading 33-43 at halftime behind 28 points from Malik Reneau. Reneau's hot shooting continued in the second half, as he knocked down two more three-pointers to keep his team ahead. However, Pitt refused to go down without a fight, narrowing the deficit to just 7 points with less than five minutes left on the clock.
The Panthers' determination paid off when Cameron Corhen scored 8 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including several key baskets that put Pitt up by as many as 13. However, Reneau and company refused to back down, and Miami's defense stiffened to limit Pitt's scoring opportunities.
In the end, it was Reneau who proved to be the difference-maker, hitting a clutch free throw with just seconds left on the clock to seal the victory for Miami. The Hurricanes' 76-69 win marked a major upset in conference play, as they defeated a Pitt team that had been expected to come away with the W.
For Pitt, Corhen's outstanding performance was a highlight of the game, as he scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Damarco Minor also played well off the bench, scoring 14 points and dishing out 4 assists.
On the other hand, Reneau was unstoppable, hitting 61.5% of his field goal attempts to score 28 points. His ability to stay hot in the clutch was a key factor in Miami's victory, as he helped his team overcome a 10-point deficit at halftime.
The advanced statistics told a similar story, with Miami's true shooting percentage (54.7%) and free throw rate (44.8%) outpacing Pitt's figures (51.1% and 28.3%, respectively). The Hurricanes' rebounding edge also played a crucial role in their victory, as they secured 43 boards to just 28 for the Panthers.
For Miami, the win marked a major statement in conference play, as they took down a tough Pitt team on the road. The Hurricanes will look to build on this momentum heading into their next game, while Pitt will need to regroup after a tough defeat.
Game Stats:
* Miami (HOME) : 26/58 FG, 22/36 2PT, 4/22 3PT, 20/26 FT
* Pitt (AWAY) : 27/60 FG, 21/35 2PT, 6/25 3PT, 9/17 FT