CORAL GABLES, Fla. _ The University of Miami Hurricanes, desperate for a resume-building win over top-ranked Virginia late Tuesday night, were stifled, 59-50, by the nation's stingiest defense.
ESPN televised the game, and the nation got to see how the Cavaliers went from unranked to the top of the AP poll _ by slowing the game down to a turtle's pace and making it extremely difficult to score. The Cavs led 27-16 at halftime.
The funniest moment in the game came with 12 minutes remaining, when the Watsco Center public address announcer said into the microphone: "If the Canes score 70 points, fans can get six free wings at Carolina Ale House." The crowd giggled. UM had 26 points at the time.
Five years ago, the Canes were ranked No. 25 in late-January, knocked off then-No. 1 Duke by 27 points at home and were catapulted into the national conversation. That 2013 UM team, led by Shane Larkin and Durand Scott, won the ACC Championship, wound up a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament and reached the Sweet 16.
This Miami team had a golden opportunity on Tuesday, in front of a packed arena and national T.V. audience. The Hurricanes climbed as high as No. 6 early this season, but have been bouncing in and out of the top 25 in recent weeks, unable to win when it counts most or get a signature win. Tuesday was no exception.
Miami shot 21 percent in the first half (6 of 28), and were 18 of 42 for the game _ 6 of 21 from beyond the arc. The UM starters combined for nine first-half points. Anthony Lawrence missed all seven of his shots. Dewan Huell went scoreless, Jaquan Newton had four points. Lonnie Walker was 2 of 7.
Freshman point guard Chris Lykes led UM with 19 points on 50 percent shooting. Ebuka Izundu added eight and Sam Waardenburg hit a couple of threes and finished with six points.
De'Andre Hunter led Virginia with 22 points.
