The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team secured a stunning 77-76 victory. This dramatic win came against NC State. It happened on February 14, 2026, in Raleigh. The Hurricanes trailed late in the game. However, they mounted an incredible comeback. An 8-0 run in the final minute sealed the victory. This news is trending in college basketball circles.
A Dramatic Finish in Raleigh
The game unfolded at the PNC Arena in Raleigh. NC State held a significant lead late in the contest. With just 1:07 remaining, the Wolfpack led 76-69. They had extended this lead with an 11-0 run of their own. This momentum shift seemed to put the game out of reach for Miami. However, college basketball often delivers thrilling finishes. This game proved to be no exception. This result marks a significant headline for Miami’s season.
Miami’s Unbelievable Surge
Miami snapped a nearly five-minute scoreless streak. Malik Reneau sparked the comeback. He completed a three-point play with 52 seconds left. This cut the deficit to 76-72. Next, NC State committed a crucial turnover in the backcourt. Miami capitalized immediately, scoring to narrow the gap further. The score became 76-74. Consequently, the Hurricanes were suddenly within striking distance. NC State again turned the ball over. This allowed Miami a chance to tie or take the lead.
Clutch Free Throws Decide the Game
The game’s final moments were filled with tension. Tru Washington was fouled on a three-point attempt. This occurred with just 3.7 seconds remaining in the game. Washington calmly sank all three free throws. This put Miami ahead 77-76. Therefore, the Hurricanes completed their dramatic 8-0 run. This surge occurred in the last 52 seconds. NC State had a final possession. However, Matt Able missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer. The Hurricanes secured the hard-fought win. This game is a prime example of ACC basketball’s intensity.
Key Performers and Statistics
Malik Reneau led Miami’s scoring. He finished with a game-high 26 points. Reneau shot 12-of-19 from the field. He also added six rebounds. Shelton Henderson contributed 17 points and nine rebounds. Tre Donaldson scored 14 points. Tru Washington added 13 points off the bench. Washington also grabbed six rebounds. For NC State, Matt Able and Ven-Allen Lubin each scored 17 points. Able made three three-pointers. Lubin also pulled down nine rebounds. He added four blocks. Quadir Copeland scored 11 points. Darrion Williams also added 11 points.
Miami’s dominance in the paint was evident. They outscored NC State 56-32. Furthermore, Miami controlled the boards. They outrebounded NC State 40-29. This included a significant 20 offensive rebounds. These efforts led to a 22-10 advantage in second-chance points. This statistic highlights Miami’s persistent offensive pressure.
Game Context and Implications
This victory was significant for Miami. It marked their 20th win of the season. This achieved a major milestone for first-year head coach Jai Lucas. Lucas became the fastest first-time head coach in ACC history to reach 20 wins. The Hurricanes improved their ACC record to 9-3. They are in a strong position for NCAA Tournament consideration. This win followed their recent upset of No. 11 North Carolina. The Hurricanes are on a winning streak. They have won three straight games. They have also won five of their last six contests.
For NC State, this was a devastating loss. They fell to 18-8 overall. Their ACC record is now 9-4. Head coach Will Wade expressed disappointment. He cited a lack of execution in the final minute. He also noted the team’s struggles with consistency. Rebounding was identified as a persistent issue. Wade commented on the team’s lack of a clear identity. He contrasted this with Miami’s physicality. The Wolfpack missed opportunities to close out the game. Turnovers and missed free throws proved costly. This defeat was part of a tough stretch for NC State, following previous losses and a snapped winning streak.
Conclusion
The Miami Hurricanes’ improbable comeback against NC State is a prime example of late-game heroics. An 8-0 run in the dying seconds secured a one-point victory. This trending news highlights Miami’s resilience. It also underscores NC State’s late-game struggles. The game was a testament to the unpredictable nature of college basketball. This result will undoubtedly be a talking point for the remainder of the season. It also boosts Miami’s profile as they approach tournament season.
