Miami Men’s Basketball loses in heartbreaking fashion as troubled season continues

The Miami Hurricanes (4-10, 0-3 ACC) simply can’t win with a win as they lose heartbreakingly 86-85 to the Virginia Tech Hokies (6-8, 1-2).

This is the Hurricanes’ first loss to the Hokies since 2022, as they have now lost their last 16 games against Power Five opponents.

The Canes were unstoppable in the paint early in the game. In the first half, Miami made 75 percent of its shots from beyond the arc and couldn’t be stopped. The three-point shot didn’t fall to them in the first half, but a consistent and improved Jalil Bethea, Austin Swartz and Matthew Cleveland kept the Hurricanes high throughout the game.

Bethea’s confidence shines through and he grows as an artist. He finished the game with 15 points, 6-for-9 shooting and 3-for-4 from three and had a chance to tie the game, but missed the shot in the final seconds of the game.

Cleveland continues to be the Canes’ best player on the hardwood. He had another 20-plus point performance, leading the Canes with 21 points while shooting 7-11 from the field and 3-5 from beyond the arc.

Released from the kennel where the now-retired Jim Larranaga had placed him, Swartz was a special case. He finished the game with 12 points, 5-7 shooting from the field and 2-3 from long range.

This game wasn’t the offensive disappointment of recent games as it once again came down to the defensive side of the ball.

Lynn Kidd was the target for most of the game as he highlighted key things the Hurricanes don’t have, namely a shot blocker. Back in Blacksburg, he was welcomed with a series of boos and taunts, which touched his heart. He had a target on his back the entire game, especially in pick-and-roll situations where he often retreated to coverage and left his man wide open.

Virginia Tech’s two forwards, Tobi Lawal and Mylyjae Poteat, finished the game with a total of 47 points, playing against Kidd and Brandon Johnson.

The Hurricanes are still suffering from the lack of a shot blocker and will now focus on their next two home games against Florida State and Wake Forest.

READ MORE FROM MIAMI HURRICANES ON SI:

Bill Courtney is preparing the Miami men’s basketball team for a post-Larranaga era

Matthew Cleveland’s confidence is “at an all-time high” as he enters ACC play

Everything Miami interim coach Bill Courtney said in the first press conference

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