Explosive early scoring and fast-paced play fuel Miami’s strong start under Jai Lucas. The Miami Hurricanes had their control on this one tonight, improving to a 2-0 start under Jai Lucas after taking down Bethune-Cookman convincingly, 101-61.  

Miami controlled this game from the start and completely outmatched Bethune-Cookman, who nearly knocked off #20 Auburn on Monday night. The explosive offense and dominance rebounding the ball in the first half helped the Canes build a double-digit lead, and they never looked back beyond that point. Miami never allowed Bethune to look comfortable during this game, which is exactly the identity Coach Lucas has been preaching for since he arrived.  

Led by transfers Tre Donaldson and Malik Reneau, the two newcomers combined for 29 of Miami’s 50 first half points, helping lead the Miami offense early on. Donaldson would finish with 23, while Reneau would add 22 points of his own along with 6 rebounds and 5 assists.  

TCU transfer Ernest Udeh Jr. also had his hands on this one for the second game in a row, establishing his dominance in the paint, leading both teams with 10 rebounds for the game. 

 “It’s a blessing. Those guys (Ernest) are really skilled in the air and Malik in the air and on the ground he’s so skilled, so just to have those guys it’s a blessing,” Tre Donaldson said on playing with Udeh Jr. and Reneau. 

Now at 2-0, the ‘Canes are showing early signs of growth compared to what we saw last season under their new head coach.  

The Hurricanes will be back at the Watsco Center next Monday as they host the Stetson Hatters at 7:00 PM on ACC Network.

Cover Photo Credits: Christian Proscia, NewEraPrep