CORAL GABLES, Fla. _ Miami Hurricanes fans still bummed out over the football team's loss at Pitt found some consolation at the WATSCO Center Saturday afternoon as the 11th-ranked University of Miami men's basketball team beat the University of North Florida, 86-65.
The Canes were coming off an underwhelming performance in a 57-46 win over LaSalle and were eager to get into better form before Wednesday's road game at No. 14 Minnesota, their first game against a ranked opponent. With Saturday's victory, Miami remained undefeated at 5-0.
Five UM players finished in double figures, led by Bruce Brown and Anthony Lawrence with 14 apiece, Dewan Huell (13), Ja'Quan Newton (12), and Chris Lykes (10). The Hurricanes outscored the Ospreys 54-22 in the paint, got 21 points off UNF turnovers and shot 91.7 percent from the free-throw line in the second half (11 of 12).
UNF opened the season at then-No. 2 Michigan State and Michigan, and also played at No. 8 Florida (all three losses), so coach Matthew Driscoll was in position to compare Miami to those teams.
"The thing I'd say about Miami is they really, really, really understand who they are, and they find each other," Driscoll said. "They don't have guys that are pigs. They share the sugar."
"This group is very, very deep, and have a lot of options. People may say, 'Well, they haven't played anyone yet. How good are they really?' They're really, really good, deserve to be in the Top 20 and have a chance to have a special year."
