Reneau’s Big Night, Donaldson’s Late Surge Power Miami Past Pitt in ACC Opener
The Miami Hurricanes didn’t just rally Tuesday night-they stormed back with purpose, grit, and a whole lot of Malik Reneau. After falling behind by as many as 22 in the first half, Miami flipped the script and took control late, pulling off a 76-69 win over Pitt at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables.
Now sitting at 12-2 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, the Hurricanes leaned heavily on two standouts: Reneau, who was dominant from start to finish, and Tre Donaldson, who took over when it mattered most. Pitt, meanwhile, dropped to 7-7 and 0-1 in conference, left wondering how a game that started so well slipped through their fingers.
Reneau Sets the Tone
Let’s start with Reneau-because everything Miami did offensively flowed through him. The junior forward was locked in all night, pouring in 28 points on an efficient 8-of-13 from the field.
He showed touch from deep (2-of-5 from three), but where he really made his mark was at the free-throw line. Reneau went a perfect 10-for-10 at the stripe, punishing Pitt every time they sent him there.
He didn’t just score, either. Reneau added eight rebounds and anchored Miami’s interior presence, helping the Canes dominate the glass 43-28. That rebounding edge proved crucial on a night where neither team could find much rhythm from long range.
Donaldson Closes the Door
While Reneau carried the load early, it was Donaldson who took the wheel late. The sophomore guard scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half, including a personal nine-point run that gave Miami the breathing room it needed to close out the win. He also chipped in three assists and set the tone with his energy and poise down the stretch.
Donaldson’s ability to attack off the dribble and get to the line (where Miami went 20-of-26 as a team) was a major difference-maker in the second half. Pitt simply couldn’t keep him in front, and once he got going, the Hurricanes never looked back.
Tale of Two Halves
This one was a rollercoaster. Miami came out blazing, jumping to an 11-0 lead before Pitt answered with a haymaker of their own-a 20-0 run that flipped the game on its head. The Panthers stretched the lead to 37-15 at one point and took a 43-33 advantage into the break.
But the second half belonged to Miami. The Hurricanes opened the half on a 15-2 run to reclaim the lead at 48-45, and from there, they just kept applying pressure.
Pitt’s offense sputtered, settling for contested jumpers and struggling to generate clean looks. The Panthers managed just 26 points after halftime.
Pitt’s Missed Opportunities
Pitt had its chances. Cameron Corhen led the way with 17 points and eight rebounds, Barry Dunning Jr. added 16, and Damarco Minor chipped in 14.
But the Panthers couldn’t buy a bucket from deep, finishing just 6-of-25 from beyond the arc. Combine that with a 9-of-17 mark at the free-throw line, and it’s clear where the game slipped away.
Shooting woes aside, Pitt also lost the battle on the boards and couldn’t match Miami’s physicality down the stretch. The Hurricanes outworked them in the paint and at the line, and that effort showed up on the scoreboard.
Inside Work Wins the Day
Neither team was lighting it up from three-Miami went just 4-of-22-but the Hurricanes made up for it by dominating inside. Ernest Udeh Jr. pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, while Reneau and freshman Shelton Henderson added eight apiece. That trio helped Miami control the tempo and limit Pitt’s second-chance opportunities.
What’s Next
Pitt heads back home to regroup before facing Clemson on Saturday, Jan. 3.
For Miami, it’s a quick turnaround and a tough road test at Wake Forest on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
But for now, the Hurricanes can enjoy a statement win to open ACC play-one built on resilience, physicality, and a pair of standout performances from Reneau and Donaldson. If this is the kind of fight Miami brings into conference season, they’re going to be a problem.