Miami, FL – The Miami Hurricanes snatched a dramatic 77-76 victory. They achieved this by scoring the final eight points. This stunning comeback occurred Saturday, February 14, 2026. The game took place at the Lenovo Center. The opponent was the NC State Wolfpack. This news marks a significant moment in the ACC season.
A Game of Runs and Resilience
The contest was a nail-biter throughout. It featured 14 ties and 19 lead changes. NC State held a 42-37 lead at halftime. They extended this lead early in the second half. The Wolfpack appeared in control late in the game. They held a 76-69 advantage with just 1:07 remaining. This was after an 11-0 run of their own. Momentum seemed firmly with NC State. However, Miami showed incredible resilience. They refused to concede defeat.
The Final Minute Collapse
Malik Reneau ignited Miami’s comeback. He completed a crucial three-point play. This cut the deficit to 76-72 with 52 seconds left. Miami then forced back-to-back NC State turnovers. These turnovers proved costly for the Wolfpack. Tru Washington followed with a layup. This brought Miami within striking distance at 76-74. The tension was palpable. NC State then missed a critical front end of a one-and-one free throw. This gave Miami another opportunity. With only 3.7 seconds left, Tru Washington was fouled. The foul occurred on a three-point attempt. This was a highly contested call. Darrion Williams was whistled for the foul. Washington calmly sank all three free throws. He secured the 77-76 lead for Miami. NC State had one last chance. Matt Able launched a desperation shot. It clanged off the rim as time expired. The Hurricanes erupted in celebration.
Key Performers Shine
Malik Reneau led Miami’s charge. He scored a game-high 26 points. Reneau shot an efficient 12-of-19 from the floor. He also contributed six rebounds. Shelton Henderson was another key contributor. He added 17 points and nine rebounds. Tre Donaldson chipped in 14 points. Tru Washington, coming off a brief absence, scored 13 points off the bench. His clutch free throws were the defining moment. For NC State, Matt Able and Ven-Allen Lubin led the scoring. Both finished with 17 points. Quadir Copeland and Darrion Williams added 11 points each. Lubin also grabbed nine rebounds and blocked four shots. Despite their efforts, NC State couldn’t hold on.
Dominance in the Paint
Miami’s identity was on full display. They dominated inside scoring. The Hurricanes outscored NC State 56-32 in the paint. They also controlled the boards. Miami outrebounded the Wolfpack 40-29. This included a significant 22-10 advantage in second-chance points. This inside presence was crucial. It allowed Miami to stay close even when their outside shots weren’t falling. The Hurricanes also secured 20 offensive rebounds. This kept possessions alive late in the game.
Context and Implications
This victory extended Miami’s winning streak. It is now three games long. The Hurricanes improved their overall record to 20-5. Their ACC record moved to 9-3. This puts them in a strong position in the conference standings. It bolsters their NCAA Tournament resume. The game was a pivotal ACC matchup. NC State entered the game with a six-game losing streak snapped by a loss to Louisville. This loss to Miami marked their second consecutive ACC defeat. They fell to 18-8 overall and 9-4 in the ACC. Coach Jai Lucas praised his team’s resilience. He highlighted their ability to stick to their identity. Washington’s confidence at the free-throw line was also lauded. This game was a significant win for Miami. It was a devastating loss for NC State. It is a testament to Miami’s fighting spirit. This editorial captures the drama of the finish. The news continues to highlight Miami’s strong late-season surge. The ACC race remains tight. Both teams look towards future games. Miami faces Virginia Tech next. NC State prepares to host North Carolina. This matchup provided thrilling college basketball action. It will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion. This is a crucial win for the Hurricanes’ postseason aspirations. It shows their ability to win close games. The team’s performance against NC State is a positive sign. This is important news for their fans.
