Miami cooked up a second-half storm to defeat Texas in their NCAA Midwest Regional Final and advance to the Final Four for the first time in their men’s basketball program history.
Miami won the game, 88-81, and will face UConn for a chance at a national championship.
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Miami guard Jordan Miller celebrates after scoring against Texas in the second half of an Elite 8 college basketball game at the NCAA Midwest Regional Tournament on Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The Hurricanes needed the ball to bounce in the second half to win the game, and they got a breather with about a minute left in the game. Norchad Omier struggled for an offensive rebound with Brock Cunningham, and it was the Longhorns forward who was fouled.
Omier then hit two key free throws as the Hurricanes earned two points, 81-79. He then pushed the ball down the other side, forcing Longhorns guard Marcus Carr to fumble. Miami would rally and Isaiah Wong was fouled and made two free throws to put Miami up four points.
March 26, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Wooga Poplar (55) yells as he dunks the ball against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at the T-Mobile Center. (Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
The Hurricanes trailed eight points at the half. Miami used a 13-2 run to take the lead with 5:26 remaining in the second half and effectively get back in the game and pressure the Longhorns to continually make tough shots.
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Jordan Miller led Miami with 27 points. He was 7 of 7 from the field and 13 of 13 from the free throw line. Wooga Poplar had 16 points and six rebounds. Omier had 11 points and nine rebounds. Nigel Pack chipped in with 15 points and Wong finished with 14 points.
Miami guard Jordan Miller celebrates after scoring against Texas in the second half of an Elite 8 college basketball game at the NCAA Midwest Regional Tournament on Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Texas responded to the challenge the Hurricanes threw at them for the remaining five minutes of the game, but some key misses late on sank the Longhorns in the long run.
Carr led Texas with 17 points and six assists while Timmy Allen had 16 points and four rebounds. Sir’Jabari Rice scored 15 points off the bench.
March 26, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Marcus Carr (5) reacts against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half at the T-Mobile Center. (Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
March 26, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Christian Bishop (32) high-fives guard Sir’Jabari Rice (10) during a stoppage in the game against the Miami Hurricanes in the first half at the T-Mobile Center. (Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
It will be the first Final Four in Miami, but it will be the second for coach Jim Larrañaga. The head coach led George Mason to a national championship appearance in 2006.
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The Men’s Final Four will consist of San Diego State vs. Florida Atlantic and UConn vs. Miami. The games will take place on April 1 and the national championship will be on April 3.