The Miami Hurricanes edged out a nail-biting 67-66 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies, bumping their record to 21-5 (10-3 ACC) for the 2025-26 season. After the game, head coach Jai Lucas shared his thoughts, providing a deep dive into the team's performance and resilience.
Lucas kicked things off by highlighting the competitive nature of the ACC and the quality of Virginia Tech. "The ACC is tough, and Virginia Tech is no exception.
They're well-coached and play a physical game. It’s tough losing close ones, and they’ve had their share of those heart-breakers."
Reflecting on his team, Lucas expressed pride in their ability to pull through despite not being at their best. "We had a lot of guys playing through pain-Tre was uncertain, Malik had a migraine, and Shelton’s knee was acting up. But these late-season games are crucial, and we found a way to win."
Tre Donaldson's performance was a standout. "Tre willed us to victory.
That's what experienced guards do-they step up in big moments. His history in high-pressure situations really shone through."
Lucas also addressed the team's resilience through injuries. "This toughness comes from the grind of the season.
We’ve faced tough losses against teams like Florida and BYU, which have prepared us for moments like these. Experience builds resilience."
Miami's ability to compete, even when not firing on all cylinders, was another talking point. "We weren’t at our best, but we found a way. It’s about grinding out wins, getting that crucial rebound or stop, and executing when it matters."
Discussing Donaldson’s clutch play, Lucas noted, "His confidence comes from past experiences. He’s delivered before, and we trust him to do it again. That’s why the ball’s in his hands when it counts."
The coach praised the team’s fighting spirit, even when fatigue set in. "I told them to keep pushing, to give everything they had. We’ll rest and recover, but in those moments, they emptied the tank."
Lucas had high praise for Ernest Udeh's defense. "I’m tough on Ernest because I see his potential. He’s capable of being one of the best defenders, and he proved it by shutting down key players."
The defensive strategy evolved as the game progressed. "Virginia Tech’s pace surprised us, so we switched things up defensively. Normally, we don’t switch often, but it worked to disrupt their rhythm."
Looking ahead to facing No. 14 Virginia, Lucas acknowledged the challenge.
"They’re a strong team, big and skilled at shooting the three. It’ll be like a Sweet 16 or Elite Eight matchup, and we’re excited for the test.
The team’s confident on the road, and we’re ready for the challenge."
With the Hurricanes showing grit and determination, the rest of the season promises to be an exciting journey.