Tre Donaldson stole the show at the Watsco Center, leading Miami to a 91-81 win over Georgia Tech with a dazzling 27-point, 10-assist performance. The Hurricanes' guard was unstoppable, dictating the tempo of the game and making crucial plays on both ends of the floor. With this victory, Miami improves to 16-4 on the season, solidifying their position as a formidable force in college basketball.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Miami racing out to a 47-33 halftime lead. Donaldson was the catalyst, scoring 15 points and dishing out 6 assists in the opening 20 minutes. Georgia Tech's Kowacie Reeves Jr. kept his team afloat, scoring 12 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in the first half. Despite a strong effort from Reeves, the Yellow Jackets struggled to contain Miami's high-powered offense, which shot 55% from the field in the first half.
In the second half, Georgia Tech made a concerted effort to get back into the game, outscoring Miami 48-44. Lamar Washington was instrumental in the Yellow Jackets' surge, tallying 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in the final 20 minutes. However, Donaldson and the Hurricanes were always one step ahead, answering every Georgia Tech run with a clutch basket or defensive stop. Malik Reneau and Shelton Henderson provided valuable support for Miami, scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Reeves finished with 23 points and 6 rebounds, a reflection of his skill and determination. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Hurricanes. Miami's victory was a reflection of their depth and talent, as they withstood a strong challenge from a pesky Georgia Tech squad.
This result had real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Miami, the win counts as a Quadrant 3 victory, a solid addition to their portfolio. With a current NET ranking of 36, the Hurricanes are firmly in the NCAA Tournament picture. On the other hand, Georgia Tech, currently ranked 145 in the NET, suffered a Quadrant 1 loss. While the Yellow Jackets' tournament hopes are still alive, they must string together some impressive wins to bolster their resume.
As the season enters its critical stretch, Miami's performance against Georgia Tech serves as a reminder of their potential. With Donaldson at the helm, the Hurricanes are capable of making a deep run in the tournament. For now, they'll savor this hard-fought win, one that reinforces their position as a top contender in college basketball.