For much of this college basketball season, fans have heard plenty about Miami.
Not the one in Ohio that dominated the MAC. The other Miami.
The Miami Hurricanes are putting together one of the most remarkable bounce-back seasons in the country, turning last year’s disappointment into a run that now has them ranked, confident, and firmly in the ACC race.
Wednesday night provided the latest reminder.
Miami went on the road and beat SMU 77-69, a win that secured a valuable double bye in the ACC Tournament and pushed the Hurricanes to 24-6 overall and 13-4 in conference play.
And the story may just be getting started.
With the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament both approaching, Miami looks like a team nobody will want to face.
A turnaround few expected
Miami’s rise under first-year head coach Jai Lucas has been one of the most impressive developments in college basketball this season.
The Hurricanes have already improved their win total by 17 games compared to last season, the biggest turnaround in Division I basketball this year. That type of leap rarely happens in a power conference, especially one as competitive as the ACC.
Even more impressive is when Miami has done its best work.
The Hurricanes have won seven of their last eight games since the start of February, surging up the ACC standings and returning to the AP Top 25 for the first time since December 2023.
Suddenly, Miami looks like one of the most dangerous teams entering postseason play.
A balanced roster fueling the surge
Miami’s success has been built on balance.
Tre Donaldson has provided steady leadership at guard, averaging more than 16 points and nearly six assists per game this season. He scored 17 points in the win over SMU and continues to be the player who keeps Miami’s offense moving.
Malik Reneau has been equally important in the frontcourt. The forward recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds against the Mustangs and has been Miami’s most consistent scorer all year.
Freshman guard Noam Dovrat has added another dimension to the offense. He knocked down four three-pointers against SMU, including several key shots in the first half that helped Miami take control.
Defensively, Ernest Udeh Jr. has been a difference maker. His four blocks and 10 rebounds helped shut down SMU’s late comeback attempt and protected the paint throughout the night.
Together, the group has created one of the most balanced and efficient teams in the conference.
Winning big games in the ACC
Miami didn’t climb into the top tier of the ACC by accident.
The Hurricanes have built their resume with impressive wins throughout conference play, including victories over North Carolina, NC State, and Clemson while consistently finding ways to close out tight games.
The win at SMU followed that same pattern. Miami controlled the pace, built a lead, and responded every time the Mustangs threatened to get back into the game.
That composure has become one of Miami’s biggest strengths.
Why Miami could be dangerous in March
Teams that peak at the right time often become problems in March.
Miami appears to be trending that direction.
The Hurricanes play with pace, have multiple scoring options, and now carry the confidence that comes from stacking wins late in the season. The double bye in the ACC Tournament also gives them valuable rest before postseason play begins.
That matters in a conference tournament where depth and energy often decide games.
If Miami continues to play the way it has over the past month, the Hurricanes could be positioned to make noise not just in the ACC Tournament, but potentially in the NCAA Tournament as well.
For now, one thing is clear.
There are two Miamis having impressive basketball seasons this year.
And the Hurricanes are making sure the college basketball world is paying attention to the one in Coral Gables.