The Miami Hurricanes put on a show at the Watsco Center, defeating the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 104-79 in a non-conference matchup. The Hurricanes' high-powered offense was on full display, with Malik Reneau leading the charge. The standout performer notched 22 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and skill on the court. Tre Donaldson and Ernest Udeh Jr. also had impressive outings, with Donaldson tallying 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Udeh Jr. chipped in with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
The game was all but over by halftime, with Miami taking a commanding 49-38 lead into the break. The Hurricanes' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Reneau and Donaldson combining for 25 points in the first half. Louisiana-Monroe's MJ Russell tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 10 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to slow down the Hurricanes' onslaught.
In the second half, Miami continued to pull away, outscoring Louisiana-Monroe 55-41. The Warhawks' Russell finished with a team-high 18 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Hurricanes' balanced attack. Krystian Lewis and Renars Sondors added 16 and 14 points, respectively, for Louisiana-Monroe, but their efforts were overshadowed by Miami's dominant performance.
The win improves Miami's record to 16-4, with their net ranking sitting at 36. This victory, while expected, is still an important one for the Hurricanes' resume, as it helps to pad their win total and maintain their position in the national rankings. On the other hand, Louisiana-Monroe falls to 3-18, with their net ranking at 360. Despite the loss, this game was a Quadrant 1 opportunity for the Warhawks, which could potentially help their tournament chances if they can string together some wins in the coming weeks.
For Miami, this win is a Quadrant 4 victory, which, while not as valuable as a Quadrant 1 win, still helps to bolster their resume. The Hurricanes want to build on this performance as they head into the heart of their conference schedule. With their strong offense and balanced attack, Miami is poised to make a deep run in the tournament. This win may not have been an upset, but it's a reflection of the Hurricanes' strength and depth, and they want to continue their winning ways in the coming weeks. The victory is a significant boost to Miami's tournament chances, as they continue to solidify their position as a top contender in the national landscape.