At 17-5, the Miami Hurricanes are sitting in fifth place in the ACC standings-a solid mark, no doubt-but their recent stumble against Cal has raised a few red flags, especially on the defensive end. Head coach Lucas wasn’t shy about pointing out where things went wrong.
“We’ve got to guard the ball better,” Lucas said after the loss. “Usually, we’re the team getting to the line 30-plus times.
This time, they flipped the script on us. When a team matches us in physicality and pace, it’s going to be tough.”
And tough it was. The Hurricanes, who typically pride themselves on defensive intensity and winning the free-throw battle, looked out of sync against the Bears.
The rotations were a step slow, the closeouts weren’t tight, and the ball pressure that usually defines this team was noticeably lacking. It wasn’t just about missed assignments-it was about identity.
For a squad that’s built its reputation on gritty, two-way play, this one stung.
Still, Lucas isn’t sounding the alarm. His message? Stay the course.
“This group competes. That’s been true all year,” he said.
“They play the full 40 minutes. Even when we’re down, I never feel like we’re out of it.
These games are hard. You win some, you lose some, but I know this team is going to fight.
They give us a chance every night.”
That mentality has carried Miami to the brink of another NCAA Tournament berth. But if they want to make real noise in March, consistency-especially on the defensive end-has to be the focus. The offense has held up its end, but tightening up on D could be the difference between a first-weekend exit and a deep tourney run.
The Hurricanes will look to bounce back on February 7 when they head to Boston College. It’s a chance to reset, regroup, and reestablish the defensive identity that’s been their calling card.
Bain and Toney Earn National Recognition
While the basketball team works through its midseason grind, two of Miami’s football standouts are getting well-deserved national love.
Rueben Bain and Malachi Toney were both named to the Pro Football Focus All-American team, capping off monster seasons for the Hurricanes.
Toney, the dynamic freshman wideout, turned in a record-breaking campaign with 109 receptions for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns-numbers that earned him ACC Rookie of the Year honors. His route-running, hands, and ability to make plays after the catch made him a matchup nightmare all season long.
On the other side of the ball, Bain wreaked havoc up front. The defensive lineman racked up 30 solo tackles and 9.5 sacks, cementing himself as one of the most disruptive forces in the country.
With the NFL Draft approaching, Bain is widely expected to be one of the first names off the board-and for good reason. He’s got the motor, the measurables, and the production to be an instant-impact player at the next level.
For Miami fans, it’s a reminder that while the present is promising, the future is just as bright.