In a game that tested Miami’s resilience from start to finish, the Hurricanes dug deep and found the answers late, pulling away in the final minutes to secure a gritty 74-68 road win over Boston College on Saturday. It wasn’t always pretty, and it certainly wasn’t easy - Miami twice surrendered double-digit leads - but when it mattered most, the Canes delivered.
Clutch execution down the stretch
The defining moment came with just 30 seconds left, when Ernest Udeh Jr. finished off a perfectly timed alley-oop from Tre Donaldson to give Miami a six-point cushion. That dunk didn’t just put points on the board - it was a statement. After a game of back-and-forth swings, that play gave Miami the breathing room it needed to close things out.
Donaldson, who had been orchestrating the offense all night, split a pair of trips to the free throw line in the final seconds. Boston College’s Boden Kapke managed to sneak in a putback with two ticks left, but by then, the outcome was sealed.
Balanced attack leads the way
Tre Donaldson flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists - a stat line that speaks to his all-around impact. He was the steady hand Miami needed in a game that kept veering off-script.
Malik Reneau added another strong chapter to his standout season, dropping 23 points and grabbing eight boards - three of them on the offensive glass. That marked his 14th 20-point game this year, and once again, he showed why he’s one of the ACC’s toughest matchups in the paint.
Freshman Shelton Henderson continues to grow into his role, and Saturday was another step forward. He poured in 19 points and pulled down six rebounds, showing poise beyond his years. For a team looking for reliable scoring options, Henderson’s emergence has been a welcome development.
Miami controls the game - mostly
Despite letting leads slip away in both halves, Miami was largely in control. The Hurricanes opened up a 9-4 lead early, only to see Boston College respond with a 6-0 run to briefly take a 10-9 lead - their only lead of the game. Miami answered right back and eventually built a 29-19 advantage, their largest of the first half.
Boston College hung around with timely runs, but every time the Eagles threatened, Miami found ways to respond - whether it was a Reneau post move, a Henderson jumper, or a Donaldson drive and dish.
Defense and interior dominance made the difference
Miami’s defense showed up when it needed to. The Hurricanes held Boston College to 40 percent shooting from the field and just 32 percent from three (9-of-28). That perimeter defense was crucial, especially as the Eagles tried to shoot their way back into it in the second half.
But the real edge came inside. Miami owned the paint, outscoring Boston College 44-30 down low and dominating the glass with a 42-31 rebounding advantage. That kind of physical presence not only limited second chances for the Eagles but also gave Miami extra possessions to work with - and they made them count, shooting a crisp 51.9 percent from the field overall.
Boston College’s effort falls short
Donald Hand Jr. led the way for the Eagles with 20 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting, including four triples. But his night ended early when he fouled out, and Boston College struggled to generate consistent offense without him. Kapke added 18 points and Fred Payne chipped in 11, but the supporting cast wasn’t enough to overcome Miami’s interior control and late-game execution.
Next up: A massive showdown
Now, the focus shifts to Tuesday, when Miami hosts North Carolina in what looms as the biggest game of their regular season. The Hurricanes came into the weekend with a 2-3 record against Quadrant 1 opponents in the NCAA NET rankings, and a win over the Tar Heels would be a signature moment in their tournament resume.
Saturday’s win was a reminder of what this Miami team is capable of when it locks in - a balanced offense, physical presence inside, and a point guard who can control the tempo. If they bring that same formula into Tuesday, they’ll have every chance to make a statement on the national stage.