Miami Rolls Past North Florida Behind Strong Inside Game

Malik Reneau scored 16 points and Shelton Henderson added 14 as No. 17 Miami defeated North Florida 89-51 in Coral Gables on November 9. The Hurricanes have won two straight since opening their season with a loss to top-ranked Florida. Five Miami players scored at least 10 points: Caleb Gaskins had 12, and Robert Miller III and Somto Cyril both finished with 10 points and eight rebounds. Miller also blocked four shots.

Miami built its advantage by attacking inside, scoring 64 points in the paint despite making just five of 27 attempts from three-point range. Reneau made seven of 10 shots in 18 minutes. The Hurricanes forced 17 turnovers, and have now forced 15 or more in all three games this season. They led 44-23 at halftime and stretched the margin to 30 in the second half.

Miami coach Jai Lucas said he had tried keeping players on the court longer to help the team find a smoother rhythm. He praised the quality of the team’s three-point attempts and said he expects the shots to fall, while emphasizing the importance of the process. North Florida’s leading scorers were Eddie Placer with 12 points and BJ Plummer with 10. The Ospreys have lost two straight against ranked teams. Miami hosts North Alabama on Friday, November 13; North Florida hosts The Citadel on Saturday.