Less than a year since their first ever trip to the Final Four, the Miami Hurricanes are not currently projected to even make the NCAA Tournament.
The Hurricanes know they need to make the most of the games they have left to change that outlook.
With Matthew Cleveland back following a two-game absence with a hip injury, the Hurricanes enjoyed a rare game this season with all of their starters available on Saturday against Virginia Tech.
Miami took advantage as Cleveland keyed a balanced effort that saw five different Hurricanes score 14 or more points, resulting in a much-needed 82-74 victory over the Hokies at the Watsco Center.
Cleveland totaled 15 points and 13 rebounds while Norchad Omier and Kyshawn George each led the Hurricanes (15-7, 6-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) in scoring with 16 points. Bensley Joseph and Nijel Pack also had 14 points each.
“We made some adjustments at halftime and the players really rose to the occasion and we finished strong,” UM coach Jim Larranaga said.