CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Hurricanes got out to a quick five-point lead in the opening moments against Duke, and the game never got closer.
Facing off against the Blue Devils in primetime in front of a packed Watsco Center and a variety of sports stars in attendance (including Marlins star Jazz Chisholm and Hall of Famer Rick Barry), Miami blasted its way to a big, early lead and never looked back. The No. 19 Hurricanes sunk Duke (17-7, 8-5 ACC) 81-59, picking up their third straight win and 13th consecutive home victory.
The win was the Hurricanes’ second-largest victory over Duke ever, eclipsed only by a 27-point win Miami notched in 2013.
Miami (19-5, 10-4 ACC) came out firing, with forward Norchad Omier opening the game with only his second three-pointer of the year. Guard Isaiah Wong stole Duke’s next possession and slammed it home, and the Hurricanes were off and running. They began the game with a 13-1 run.
The Hurricanes extended their first-half lead to as much as 17 points, and the half ended similarly to the way it began: with an Omier slam to put Miami up 14 at halftime.
The Hurricanes did not cool off in the second half, going on a 7-0 run to start the second period and extend their lead to 21 points, and they kept the margin above 20 for much of the second half. Duke cut into the lead late but the Hurricanes extended the lead back over 20 points before the final buzzer sounded.
Omier finished the game with his 11th double-double of the season, racking up 17 points with 10 rebounds. Jordan Miller added 16 points, while Wooga Poplar had 14, and Wong had 11.
Miami’s defense was firing on all cylinders, as well, forcing 21 Duke turnovers.
The Hurricanes have a chance to further extend their home winning streak when they host struggling Louisville on Saturday.
