North Carolina didn't get caught looking ahead of last week's Duke game. Instead, the hangover got the Tar Heels.
North Carolina didn't get caught looking ahead of last week's Duke game.
Instead, the hangover got the Tar Heels. Fresh off one of the most dramatic wins in the history of the UNC-Duke rivalry, North Carolina lost to unranked Miami, 75-66 Tuesday night.
Miami started hot with a 17-9 lead at home and never trailed in the win. UNC managed to keep things competitive, but the Hurricanes never allowed the Tar Heels to seize control. Miami closed out the second half strong to secure an upset of the nation's 11th-ranked team.
The loss snaps a five-game win streak for North Carolina that included a road win over No. 14 Virginia in addition to Saturday's home thriller over No. 4 Duke. The win adds a strong résumé boost for a Miami team on the NCAA tournament bubble.
Miami (19-5, 8-3 ACC) also moves a game ahead of North Carolina (19-5, 7-4) into fifth place in the ACC standings.
Miami limited UNC's All-America candidate Caleb Wilson to 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting from the field. Head coach Hubert Davis kept Wilson on the bench for the final 1:43 as North Carolina tried to mount a late rally from a 66-60 hole.
On offense, Miami attacked a talented UNC front line that's been vulnerable on defense against physical opponents.
Senior center Ernest Udeh Jr. feasted inside when he sought his shot and tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 7 of 8 from the field. He secured his own rebound off a missed free throw for a layup in the final two minutes that extended Miami's lead to 66-60 in the final two minutes.
Udeh was one of four Miami starters to score in double figures as Miami shot 47% from the field. The win for Miami was its first over a ranked over a ranked opponent since a victory over No. 16 Clemson in the 2013-14 season.
Category: General Sports
