Miami falls to Duke, 86-78
March 10, 2023
The Canes’ run for double-double championship came to an end on Friday night as the Duke Blue Devils defeated the Miami Hurricanes, 85-78, in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament.
"We did it well enough to stay in the game, but basically just not quite good enough to win the game," said Miami head coach Jim Larranaga.
Despite losing their big physical presence in Orchad Omier to injury early in the game, Miami put up a fight. After 12 lead changes in the opening 20 minutes, Duke went to the break leading 41-36.
In the second half, Duke quickly scored the first seven points before Wong and Miller each hit 3-pointers to close the gap. With just under seven minutes on the clock, Miller’s driving layup pulled the Canes within one, 66-65.
Duke never relinquished the lead from that point.
Duke (25-8) was led by Kyle Filipowski’s double-doubles scoring 17 points and taking down 11 rebounds. The Blue Devils have won eight straight as they shot 54.9 percent (28 of 51) from the floor, 8 of 16 from 3 and 21 of 25 from the free-throw line.
Miami was led by Isaiah Wong with 22 points. But it just wasn’t enough after losing their star big man, Norchad Omier, to injury just 66 seconds into the game. Miami’s other four starters scored in double figures, with Jordan Miller contributing 17 points and Nijel Pack with 11 points. Wooga Poplar and Bensley Joseph each chipped in 10 points for the Canes.
Omier injured his right ankle after grabbing a rebound and landing on the foot of Duke’s Dereck Lively. While an X-ray revealed no break, Omier was out for the rest of the game. Miami hopes for Omier’s return when the NCAA Tournament begins play on Thursday or Friday.
Miami shot 46.8 percent from the field, 8 of 26 from 3 and 12 of 15 from the free-throw line. But Miami really missed Omier on the boards, as the Blue Devils out-rebounded the Canes 36-24. Without Omier, Duke also had a 34-14 edge in points in the paint. Omier was sourly missed.
"Credit has to go to Duke's players, their ability to make those 3s and dominate the back boards," said Larranaga. "They are very big, much bigger than us and they played really well…”
“Yet, these guys did a fantastic job of keeping us in the game right until the bitter end and gave ourselves a chance. If we could have forced a turnover or made one or two additional shots, it could have been a different outcome.”
“Regardless, we have to find a way to come out with a victory,” said Miller. “Credit to Duke. We just have to bounce back.”
Miami (25-7) must now await for its NCAA Tournament seeding and regional match-up to be announced on Sunday (6:00 p.m., CBS).
Let’s GO Canes!.