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December 2025

Miami Tops Pittsburgh with Second Half Surge

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Miami, FL – Miami erased a double-digit halftime deficit and closed strong to defeat Pittsburgh 76–69, flipping the game with second-half defense, physicality, and star-level shot making. What began as a Pitt-controlled contest turned into a statement win for Miami, powered by Malik Reneau’s dominance and timely execution late.

The first half belonged to Pittsburgh. Defensively, Pitt set the tone early with length and activity across all five positions, making life difficult for Miami’s guards and wings. Passing lanes were crowded, drives were cut off early, and Miami struggled to generate clean looks. Through the final three minutes of the half, Miami shot just 9-of-27 from the field and an alarming 1-of-10 from three-point range, a reflection of both poor rhythm and Pitt’s disciplined closeouts.

Offensively, Pittsburgh complemented that defensive effort with efficient execution. They shot 14-of-27 from the field in the first half, consistently getting quality looks within their offense rather than forcing plays. Ball movement was sharp, and their ability to finish inside against Miami’s interior defense stood out. Miami’s problems were compounded when veteran forward Reneau went to the bench with foul trouble for the final five minutes of the half, limiting Miami’s best interior options. At halftime, Pittsburgh held a 43–33 lead and looked firmly in control, outplaying Miami in effort, execution, and overall physicality.

The game shifted quickly after the break. Miami opened the second half with a compact 3–2 defensive look that disrupted Pittsburgh’s rhythm almost immediately. Pitt struggled to find the same spacing and flow they enjoyed in the first half, missing several early possessions as Miami’s activity level spiked. The Hurricanes began winning second-chance opportunities and pushing the pace selectively, turning defense into offense without playing rushed.

Offensively, Miami simplified. Rather than overcomplicating sets, they leaned into physical drives, post touches, and straight-line actions that allowed their size to become an advantage. That approach brought them back into the game quickly and set the stage for  Reneau to take over.

Reneau delivered the most dominant individual performance of the game. He finished with 28 points on 8-of-13 shooting, went a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line, and added eight rebounds. Pitt had no real answer for him in the paint. Reneau scored through contact, finished over length, and showed patience when double-teams came. His ability to get a quality look whenever Miami needed a basket completely changed the game’s momentum. Every Pitt run in the second half was answered by Reneau’s poise and touch around the rim.

Tre Donaldson was the other difference-maker late. He posted 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists, but his impact went beyond the box score. Donaldson controlled the tempo in crucial moments, balancing when to attack and when to involve teammates. His back-to-back three-pointers in the closing minutes effectively sealed the game, swinging the pressure firmly onto Pittsburgh. His command as a floor general stood out, particularly against a defense that had been strong for much of the night.

Despite the loss, Pittsburgh had notable individual performances. Cameron Corhen was highly effective, finishing with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting and grabbing eight rebounds. At 6’10”, 235 pounds, Corhen showed good athleticism, fluid body coordination, and a relentless motor. He was aggressive on both ends and consistently made plays around the rim. While he may not yet project as a top-60 NBA prospect, his size, movement skills, and energy should continue to draw evaluators’ attention.

Brandin Cummings also flashed his natural scoring instincts, finishing with seven points, two rebounds, and two assists. Offensively, he has real shot-making ability, but his 6’3”, 175-pound frame limits his impact against physical lineups. Added strength and conditioning could significantly elevate his effectiveness at the college level.

In the end, the final score was  Miami 76- Pittsburgh 69. Pittsburgh dictated terms early with defense and execution, but Miami’s second-half adjustments, star power, and composure closed the door. It was a reminder that games often swing not on schemes alone, but on who can impose their will when it matters most.

This article was written by Matias Deya, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Top Players from the Torneig L’Hospitalet U18 Event

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

L’Hospitalet, Spain – The L’Hospitalet U18 Basketball Tournament is one of Europe’s most prestigious youth basketball competitions.  Established in 1980, it has become a premier showcase for emerging talent. The tournament was held at the Complex Esportiu L’Hospitalet Nord in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia and featured top-tier youth teams from across Europe and beyond.  

This year’s tournament featured  U18 teams from six Spaniah clubs: CB L’Hospitalet, Real Madrid, Valencia Basket, Joventut Badalona, FC Barcelona and Baskonia Alaves as well as BC Zalgaris Kaunas (Lithuania) and Mega Basket (Serbia).

Real Madrid won the title, topping Baskonia in the final 92-82. The Most Outstanding Player award went to Andrej Bjelic of Real Madrid. The All-Tournament Team consisted of Egor Amosov and Bjelic (Real Madrid), Juom Maker Bol and Stefan Joksimovic (Baskonia) and Mohamed Keita (Barcelona).

Bjelic, a 6’5 forward from Serbia, led Real Madrid to the title with 39 points in the championship game, hitting 6-of-12 3-pointers. He averaged 20.8 points over five games while shooting 20-of-41 from deep. We’d like to see more creation skills from Bjelic but he was the best pure shooter at the event, particularly off the catch and shot well off movement as well.

Russian import Amosov was also outstanding for Real Madrid. A sturdily build 6’7, 200-pounder Asimov was a strong shooter from distance and mid-range both off the catch and off movement. He moved well, was able to create mismatches and did some nice work on the boards. He averaged 17.2 points with a game high of 23 points and shot 19-of-43 (44.2%) from deep.

The runner-up team from Baskonia Alaves had three players that stood out:  Juom Maker Bol, Stefan Joksimovic and Mate Khatiashvili. They just didn’t have enough depth to get past Real Madrid in the final.

Maker Bol was the top rebounder at the event and always seemed to be in the right rebounding spot. A relatively skinny 6”10 with a plus 7-foot wingspan Bol is fluid inside and can step out for the occasional three-pointer. He might have trouble adding weight but he should be able to add strength. He really has great rebounding instincts. Iver his five games Maker Bol averaged 19.8 points and 13.4 rebounds. He had a 22 point, 16 rebound game as well as a 26 point, 11 rebound game.

Joksimovic was likely the player at the event with the most upside. A fluid 6’6 with ball skills he can be a primary facilitator as well as do damage on the wing. He has a very quick first step and was able to get past his defenders at will. Joksimovic’s shot has too much arc and will need to be changed, but other than that he checks all the boxes. Over his five games he averaged 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds but shot only 7-of-30 (23.3%) on his 3-point attempts. He’s already player some with Baskonia’s top team in Liga Endesa and has played for the Slovenian national team.

Khatiashvili was the best point guard at the tournament. A solid 6’3 from Georgia with excellent passing and game management skills, Mate had his best game in the final against Real Madrid when he scored 29 points and dished out eight assists while shooting 4-of-7 from deep. He averaged 17.6 points, 6.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 9-of-23 (39.1%) on 3’s over five games. He’s already earned minutes with the national team of Georgia.

Mohamed Keita, a strong 6’9 forward, was the most impressive player for Barcelona. He was able to use his body to score inside consistently. His shot looked decent and he should be able to develop a face-up game.  Keits finished the event impressively with a 19-point, 8-rebound effort in the semifinals. Over his four games Keita averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds.

Perhaps the most interesting player was Bracelona’s Mohamed Dabone. A skinny 6’11, Dabone was born in 2011 in Burkina Faso and was only 14 years old during the event. He moves very well and is extremely long. He’s very raw on offense but has very good rebounding instincts. His shot doesn’t look bad, he’s actually taken 20 3’s in the Spanish U22 league this season.  He’ll likely continue to grow and fill out over the next few years and has NBA upside if it all comes together. Dabone only played in three games but in his final game he pulled down 13 rebounds. He averaged 8.3 points and 9.7 rebounds.

This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Villanova Tops Seton Hall in Willard’s Return

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – In Kevin Willard’s return home to South Orange, his Villanova Wildcats earned a hard fought 64-56 victory that, despite the final score, was rarely in doubt. Villanova controlled the tempo from start to finish, leaning on its backcourt to dictate the flow of the game. The Wildcats’ guards consistently got to their spots, creating quality looks and breaking down a Seton Hall defense that entered the matchup as the best in the Big East. While the Pirates showed flashes of resistance, Villanova’s poise and execution proved decisive, allowing the Wildcats to maintain control and close out a convincing road win.

The difference-maker in tonight’s game was freshman Acaden Lewis. The former top-50 recruit delivered a stellar performance, consistently knocking down tough, contested shorts. As the game wore on and Lewis became the primary focus of the Pirates’ defensive game plan, he adjusted seamlessly – creating dribble penetration and, when the defense collapsed, he used his excellent court vision to find open Wildcat shooters on the perimeter. On the defensive end, Lewis allowed nothing easy. While he finished with three steals, his impact went well beyond the box score. He denied Pirate guards access to their preferred sports, forced them into difficult, contested looks, and helped initiate transition opportunities by quickly getting the ball back into his hands after defensive rebounds. Lewis finished the game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was a complete two-way presence tonight and performances like this make him the clear frontrunner for Big East Freshman of the Year.

The key factor entering this matchup for Villanova was how its perimeter shooting would hold up against the Pirates’ defense, and the Wildcats delivered. More than 50% of Villanova’s shots came from beyond the arc, where they connected at an impressive 43% clip. James Madison transfer Bryce Lindsay knocked down three triples, while Lewis and fellow freshman Matt Hodge each added two. The reliance on the three-point shot was not unique to this game, but rather a reflection of Villanova’s season long identity, as 47% of the Wildcats’ total shot attempts this year have come from deep. How that approach translates over the grind of Big East play will be worth monitoring, because on nights when the perimeter shots aren’t falling, Villanova risks allowing games to slip out of reach quickly.

For the Pirates they will look to use this game as a learning experience. The heart of their team in point guard Adam “Budd” Clark found a seat on the bench early as he picked up his second foul in the first two minutes and the team was all out of sorts from that point forward. The team never found in rhythm looks and often found themselves deep into the shot clock and were forced to heave bad looks to avoid the violation. If there was any bright spot in this game it came from Fordham transfer Josh Rivera. Rivera never stopped fighting until the final whistle and that is what earns you minutes when playing for Shaheen Holloway. He finished the game with 10 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 15 minutes of game action.

Ultimately, this matchup highlighted Villanova’s poise, perimeter shooting, and guard play, while exposing areas of growth for a young Seton Hall group still searching for consistency on the offense end of the floor. The Wildcats will look to build on this performance as they return home for a New Year’s Eve matchup against Depaul. Meanwhile, the Pirates will aim to respond and apply the lessons learned when they hit the road for another test at Marquette on Tuesday, a game that will require sharper execution, discipline, and composure from the opening tip.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Washington Rolls Past San Diego

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Seattle, WA – The San Diego Toreros left sunny Southern California for rainy Seattle to face the Washington Huskies in a non-conference battle last night. The Toreros were looking to improve their record to 6-6 before beginning West Coast Conference play next week.  Although 7-4 so far, the Huskies have been dealing with injuries and nursing a loss last Friday to cross-town rival, Seattle University.  Led by senior point guard, Brayden Maldonado, the Redhawks beat the Huskies for the second year in a row.  Maldonado is having an outstanding season under Coach Chris Victor.

The Toreros climbed out of a 7-0 deficit to take an 11-10 lead.  The Huskies responded with a three-pointer from the left corner. It was smooth sailing thereafter. The Huskies dominated points in the paint, points off turnovers, and points in transition.  Three-point shooting, ironically, since it sealed the victory early, was the only rough edge.  Washington was 5-of-21 from behind the arc. They’re now 6-of-36 in the last two games.  They’ll need to find their three-point range soon. The Huskies easily won 86-56 over the visiting Toreros.

Leading the Huskies was freshman Hannes Steinbach. In his ninth game as a Husky, the former German Bundesliga professional scored 21 points (6-13 FG, 1-3 3PT, 8-10 FT), and added 14 rebounds, one assist, three steals, and two blocks in 27 minutes. He also drew nine fouls while committing none. Steinbach has terrific instincts, footwork, and polish. He finishes through contact at the rim and creates his own shots off the low post-up. He’s a reliable roller. Steinbach shoots over 50% from three on low volume—approximately one attempt per game. He’ll become an even greater offensive threat as he continues to develop from long-range. Steinbach’s averaging 1.17 points per possession on a 67% true shooting percentage. He’s a great passer for a big man and takes care of the ball. His assist to turnover ratio sits at 1.27.

Steinbach anchors the Husky defense.  He disrupts shots in the paint and rotates effectively to help his teammates.  He’s not an elite mover laterally but uses his basketball intelligence and strength to position himself in the right spot and to contain quicker guards coming off ball screens. Steinbach’s an excellent rebounder averaging a dozen boards per game. He outlets the ball immediately to initiate the Washington’s transition offense and runs the floor on the break. Steinbach projects as a first round NBA draft pick.

Having only just arrived in the United States two weeks ago, Nikola Dzepina has already made an impression.  The Serbian, who most recently played for Valencia Basket in Spain, scored 7 points (2-7 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT) and added 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and one block in 20 minutes. He’s a modern big who can stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting and physicality inside.  Keep an eye on him.

Adrian McIntyre and Juanse Gorosito chipped in 15 points apiece for San Diego. Notably absent from the starting lineup was Toneari Lane. The 6’5, 205-pound guard comes to San Diego as a graduate student after time spent at Winthrop and Georgia State. At Georgia State last year, he averaged 13.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His stats are down slightly through the first 11 games of this season but he’s more efficient (1.17 vs. 0.96 points per possession) and shooting better (62% vs 52% true shooting percentage).  Against Washington, the left-handed Lane knocked down a three-pointer from the right wing a few seconds after first entering the game at the 12-minute mark but didn’t get many touches the rest of the night. Lane finished with 5 points (2-4 FG, 1-2 3PT), two rebounds and one assist. He’s a high-motor guy who could fill a mid-market slot overseas.

Next up the Huskies play Utah at home before battling Indiana and Purdue on the road in Big10 action. Husky fans remain optimistic that the purple and gold can return March Madness to Montlake. Right now, bracketologists give the Dawgs a 1 in 3 chance of an at-large bid.

This article was written by Justin Pallari, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Texas Tech Tops Duke with Second Half Comeback

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – On Saturday night we had an exciting showdown at the mecca between two top 25 programs in No. 3 Duke and No. 19 Texas Tech and it would live up to the excitement. The first half of this matchup was pretty much dominance from the Blue Devils. Texas Tech started out strong going on a 9-0 run to open up the night, Duke would then go on to outscore them 46-27 from that point on giving them a 46-36 lead at the half. Although Duke had a balanced scoring in the half leading the way was projected top 3 draft pick Cameron Boozer who filled up the stat sheet with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. As for the Red Raiders the frontcourt duo of LeJuan Watts and JT Toppin combined for 24 of 36 of their team’s points. 

Coming out of the locker room Texas Tech needed some production out of their backcourt, specifically Christian Anderson who had a quiet first half with 4 points despite being the Red Raiders second leading scorer this season. Anderson would go on to deliver greatly in the second half scoring 23 of his 27 points going 8-of-10 from the field. It proved to be even more important considering Watts fouled out  half way through the second half in finishing with 20 points. The Blue Devils started the night hot from beyond the arc going 7-of-14 in the first half but they would go cold in the second.

Cameron Boozer continued to generate many quality looks for his teammates throughout the half but the shots wouldn’t fall as they did earlier in the game. The Red Raiders’ star duo of Toppin and Anderson would continue to take advantage of Duke’s missed opportunities from the perimeter and the charity stripe. That eventually led to a big 82-81 Tech win over Duke, handing the Blue Devils their first loss of the season and snapping their 11 game winning streak. 

This matchup gave the fans a show with some excellent individual performances from both teams. From the Blue Devils the obvious standout was Cameron Boozer who showed exactly why he’s in the discussion to be the potential number one pick in the upcoming NBA draft. He finished the night with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists showcasing his talent on one of the biggest stages in college basketball. Boozer displayed high IQ and overall great feel for the game, making some impressive reads out of the post for quality shots for his teammates all night. He was also strong on the glass. His ability to use his strength to get box out position and grab rebounds despite not being an elite vertical athlete is stellar. His scoring came naturally tonight with his soft touch around the rim getting opportunities by sealing his man and scoring out of the post in addition to the offensive glass. 

As for the Red Raiders they got great games out of the trio of Christian Anderson, JT Toppin, and LeJuan Watts. Toppin and Watts dominated the game in a similar way by doing their work on the block with their back to the basket and scoring in the paint with tough shot making at the rim all night. Toppin also was a monster on the boards grabbing 10 rebounds against a highly regarded Duke frontcourt. However, despite all these big-time performances the player of this game was hands down Christian Anderson who had 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting with five made 3’s. Anderson’s shot making was nothing short of incredible; he was dynamic being able to score off the dribble out of the pick and roll and getting to pull up jumpers from range. He also showcased an in-between game getting into the teeth of the defense for short range shots and mid-range shots. Anderson’s ability to get clutch time buckets was the main key for the Red Raiders significant win over the Blue Devils.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Kentucky and North Carolina Shine in Thrilling CBS Sports Classic

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Atlanta, GA – The CBS Sports Classic once again delivered a showcase of high-level college basketball, featuring two marquee matchups that lived up to the event’s reputation for drama and intensity. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric from start to finish, with fans from all four programs—Kentucky, St. John’s, North Carolina, and Ohio State—creating a vibrant, tournament-like environment in mid-December.

The day began with a statement performance from Kentucky, which stormed back in the second half to defeat St. John’s 78–66. The Wildcats, who had struggled with consistency early in the season, found their rhythm after halftime, outscoring the Red Storm 53–34 in a dominant final 20 minutes. It was a defining win for Kentucky, marking their most complete performance of the season and a potential turning point as conference play approaches.

Otega Oweh led the charge for the Wildcats, showcasing his athleticism and scoring touch with 20 points and 5 rebounds. His energy on both ends of the floor set the tone for Kentucky’s second-half surge. Guard Jaland Lowe added 13 points and 3 assists, providing steady playmaking and timely shot-making. The biggest storyline, however, was the debut of highly touted player Jayden Quaintance, who made an impact with 10 points and 8 rebounds. His presence in the paint gave Kentucky a new dimension, both defensively and on the glass.

Kentucky’s turnaround was fueled by improved ball movement and defensive intensity. After trailing at halftime, the Wildcats came out with renewed focus, pushing the pace and attacking the rim. Their depth and athleticism overwhelmed St. John’s, who struggled to match Kentucky’s energy in transition. The Wildcats’ 53-point second half was their most explosive offensive stretch of the season, a sign that their young roster is beginning to gel.

For St. John’s, the loss was a tough setback after a promising first half. Bryce Hopkins led the Red Storm with 13 points, showing his versatility as a scorer and rebounder. Zuby Ejiofor contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Ian Jackson added 10 points and 6 rebounds in a solid all-around effort. Despite the defeat, St. John’s displayed flashes of potential, particularly in the first half when their ball movement and defensive pressure kept Kentucky off balance. However, the Red Storm couldn’t sustain that level of play once Kentucky’s offense caught fire.

The second game of the doubleheader between North Carolina and Ohio State was a thriller that went down to the wire, with the Tar Heels escaping with a 71–70 victory. The contest featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings, keeping the crowd on edge until the final buzzer.

Caleb Wilson was the star for North Carolina, delivering a dominant performance with 20 points and 15 rebounds. His ability to control the boards and score in key moments proved decisive. Henri Veesaar added 17 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Tar Heels a strong interior presence, while Seth Trimble chipped in 17 points and 3 assists, providing steady guard play and clutch shot-making down the stretch.

Ohio State battled valiantly throughout, led by Bruce Thornton’s 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Devin Royal was a force inside with 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Christoph Tilly contributed a double-double of his own with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Buckeyes executed well offensively and defended with toughness, but a few late missed opportunities allowed North Carolina to hold on for the narrow win.

The CBS Sports Classic once again highlighted the depth and talent across college basketball’s elite programs. The event’s atmosphere was electric, with fans treated to two games that combined intensity, skill, and drama. Kentucky’s second-half explosion against St. John’s underscored their potential to be a dangerous team as the season progressed, while North Carolina’s resilience against a tough Ohio State squad reaffirmed their status as one of the nation’s top contenders.

As the team’s head into the heart of their schedules, the CBS Sports Classic served as both a measuring stick and a momentum builder. For Kentucky and North Carolina, the victories provided confidence and validation. For St. John’s and Ohio State, the lessons learned in defeat could prove valuable in the months ahead. In a day filled with energy, passion, and high-level basketball, the CBS Sports Classic once again delivered on its promise as one of the sport’s premier showcase events

This article was written by Andrew Keeling, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Miami Pulls Away from UL Monroe

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Miami, FL – Miami handled UL Monroe 104–79 in a game that was never really about execution or schemes, but about physical dominance and pace. From the opening half, it was clear Miami could get whatever it wanted inside, even though the outside shooting didn’t show up early. At halftime, Miami led 49–38 despite shooting just 18% from three, while UL Monroe was actually the more efficient perimeter team, hitting 47% from deep and 54% overall. The difference was simple: Miami overwhelmed them on the glass and at the rim, owning a 24–9 rebounding advantage and consistently punishing Monroe’s lack of interior resistance.

Miami played man-to-man from the opening tip, though the defensive effort wasn’t sharp. Rotations were slow, closeouts were late, and the overall energy felt muted at times—possibly a factor of the early start time. Even so, UL Monroe couldn’t capitalize enough to stay close because Miami’s physical advantages kept showing up possession after possession. Malik Reneau set the tone early, dominating inside with 16 points and 6 rebounds in the first half alone, scoring comfortably through contact and establishing deep position whenever he wanted. Miami’s ability to score without relying on the three kept them in control despite the shooting variance.

The second half followed a similar script, but Miami began to separate once the ball movement improved and open looks started to fall. About ten minutes in, the Canes had created real distance, pushing the lead through rim pressure and transition opportunities rather than shot-making difficulty. Miami did experiment with zone looks again against a lower-level opponent, but once more it proved ineffective. UL Monroe trimmed the lead to 76–62 with ten minutes left by attacking gaps and knocking down shots against the zone, reinforcing the idea that Miami’s identity is far more stable when they stick to man coverage. Once Miami reasserted control through pace and physicality, the game was effectively over.

Tre Donaldson had arguably his best all-around game as a true point guard, finishing with 18 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds on efficient shooting. What stood out most was his control of tempo. Donaldson played like a floor general, consistently putting teammates in scoring positions and letting the game come to him. When his mindset stays pass-first, Miami’s offense flows cleaner, and his scoring naturally follows without forcing the issue. His veteran presence showed, especially during moments when UL Monroe threatened small runs.

Ernest Udeh Jr. was another decisive factor. With 14 points and 15 rebounds, his size and strength completely overwhelmed Monroe’s frontcourt. Udeh plays like an old-school center, anchoring the paint, cleaning the glass, and imposing physicality on both ends. While his offensive fundamentals still need refinement, his rebounding presence and ability to control space around the rim were unmatched in this game. Miami won the interior battle comfortably, and Udeh was a major reason why.

Reneau continued to look like Miami’s most reliable interior scorer with this 22-point,10-rebound game on 10-15 FG attempts. His efficiency, comfort playing through contact, and ability to convert consistently around the rim stood out again. Miami leaned on him whenever they needed stability offensively, and UL Monroe simply didn’t have an answer for his strength and touch. When Miami needed a basket to stop momentum, the ball found Reneau.

On the other side, Renars Sondors showed intriguing traits for UL Monroe finishing with 14 points on 5-11 FG. He has good size and length, plays with controlled pace, and brought an aggressive offensive mindset in this matchup. His body control stood out, especially when attacking the basket, and his effort defensively was noticeable. The main area for growth is speed; both in decision-making and overall pace, but the tools are there for him to be a productive forward at NCAA Power 5 level.

Ultimately, this game was decided by physicality, rebounding, and interior scoring. Miami shot 60% from the field for the game and dominated the paint through Reneau and Udeh, while Donaldson orchestrated efficiently from the guard spot. Defensively, Miami still has room to improve, especially in terms of effort and consistency, but against UL Monroe, talent and strength were more than enough. The result was a fast-paced, high-scoring win that highlighted Miami’s strengths while still exposing areas that need tightening as competition improves.

This article was written by Matias Deya, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

St. John’s Rolls Past Iona

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Heading into the matchup, St. John’s was looking to build momentum with a convincing performance before opening Big East play, and the Red Storm answered the call. Behind the hot shooting of Stanford transfer and three-point specialist Oziyah Sellers, who finished with a game-high 19 points, the Johnnies cruised to a dominant 91–64 victory over Iona. While Iona’s coaching staff had its team prepared and competitive early, it was no match for the adjustments made by Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino. After a lackadaisical first half, Pitino rallied his group on both ends of the floor, as St. John’s pulled away in the second half and turned a tight contest into a 27-point rout.

Sellers was brought in for his elite perimeter shooting, and the Johnnies will rely heavily on that skill if they hope to find consistent success this season. He offered a clear glimpse of his value in this one, finishing with 19 points in 31 minutes on an efficient 7-of-13 shooting performance, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Beyond the numbers, the guard excels moving without the ball, consistently putting himself in position to get open. His feel for spacing and willingness to do the little things—often absent from the box score—make him a seamless fit within the offense.

Iona was once again led by senior Cincinnati transfer CJ Anthony, who provided a much-needed spark for the Gaels on both ends of the floor. The veteran guard poured in 20 points on 9-of-19 shooting, consistently putting pressure on the defense with his ability to attack the rim, absorb contact, and finish through traffic. Despite drawing significant physicality, Anthony did not earn a trip to the free-throw line, yet he continued to impose his will with his strength and downhill approach. On the defensive end, he showed no fear regardless of the matchup, competing possession by possession and holding his own against St. John’s perimeter players. Anthony’s physicality, confidence, and two-way effort should allow him to make a substantial impact for Iona as conference play approaches.

For the Johnnies to live up to their lofty expectations, they must address a glaring playmaking issue. The roster lacks a true point guard, a reality head coach Rick Pitino acknowledged this offseason when he noted that the position has become a lost art in college basketball. Early returns suggest that absence has been costly. Without a clear facilitator, St. John’s has struggled at times to fully capitalize on the intricate offensive sets Pitino installs. Still, with one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history at the helm, there is reason to believe the issue can be mitigated before Big East play begins. Without improved playmaking, however, questions remain about just how far this team can realistically advance in March.

Ultimately, St. John’s accomplished what it set out to do, delivering a convincing nonconference win that showcased both its upside and its areas for growth. The Red Storm’s shooting, defensive intensity, and coaching adjustments underscored the talent and ceiling of this roster, while individual performances like Oziyah Sellers’ efficient scoring highlighted how impactful the new pieces can be. At the same time, lingering playmaking concerns remain a storyline to monitor as Big East play approaches. If Rick Pitino can solve that puzzle, St. John’s has the tools to contend deep into the season. If not, the margin for error will narrow quickly once the competition stiffens.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

New Mexico Extends Win Streak Topping Santa Clara

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Albuquerque, NM – The University of New Mexico extended its win streak to four with a commanding 98–71 victory over Santa Clara. The game opened with both teams struggling to gain momentum as defensive pressure on both sides created early turnovers. Once UNM settled in, the Lobos established control, using forced turnovers to generate transition layups and push the tempo. In the second half, Santa Clara made a brief run to tighten the score, but the Lobos responded immediately with a decisive 10 point lead fueled by active hands-on defense, sharp passing, and cohesive teamwork.

Deyton Albury delivered a breakout performance, scoring 22 points along with six assists, three steals, and a block, his first 20-point game as a Lobo. He dominated the pace of play with his ability to accelerate and decelerate on drives, read defensive rotations, and make quick decisions in traffic. His court vision opened up clean shots for his teammates, while his wingspan and defensive anticipation created early frustration for Santa Clara’s ball-handlers. His all-around impact made him the most influential player on the floor.

Tomislav Buljan added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in an efficient and controlled performance. Rather than forcing difficult finishes, Buljan consistently converted high-percentage opportunities with strong footwork and positioning. His lone dunk came off a well-read steal, highlighting his awareness and timing on both ends of the court.

Off the bench, Uriah Tenette provided an offensive spark with 15 points, proving himself a reliable scoring option. While his defensive effort was strong, he will need to reduce hand usage to avoid unnecessary fouls and maximize his time on the floor. Depth continued to be a key strength for the Lobos, with multiple players contributing across scoring, rebounding, and defensive categories.

Santa Clara entered prepared, assigning their top defender, Christian Hammond, to chase UNM sharpshooter Jake Hall and limit his perimeter looks. The strategy was effective in reducing Hall’s scoring impact, but the Broncos were unable to capitalize offensively. Turnovers, missed shots, and foul trouble prevented them from maintaining pressure as the game progressed. Hammond led Santa Clara with 22 points on 60% effective field-goal shooting, but foul trouble limited how aggressively he could defend. Elijah Mahi added 13 points and led the Broncos with eight rebounds, while Allen Graves contributed 12 points, though he struggled to find consistency amid UNM’s high defensive energy.

Both Albury and Hammond showcased their dual-threat capabilities and stood out as key players for their respective teams. Ultimately, UNM’s depth, defensive discipline, and high-level ball movement dictated the game’s flow. Their ability to convert turnovers into fast-break points, execute sharp offensive sets, and maintain intensity for 40 minutes powered the 98–71 victory. With strong chemistry and growing confidence, the Lobos continue to establish themselves as a dynamic, well-balanced team with significant early-season momentum.

This article was written by Rebecca Lucero, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Miami’s Second Half Surge Takes Care of Southern Miss

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Miami, FL – Miami gets the win against Southern Miss 88–64, but the game didn’t start that way at all. Southern Miss came out with an 8–0 run, matching Miami physically and dictating the pace early. Miami answered with Malik Reneau hitting back-to-back threes to calm everything down and make it 8–6 about five minutes in. Miami tried switching into 3-2 and 1-3-1 zone looks after scoring possessions, but both teams were struggling to create shots. The first ten minutes felt like a grind, effort on both sides, but no real rhythm offensively.

Southern Miss stayed man-to-man the entire first half and that defensive approach, plus their physical play, gave Miami problems. Miami’s zone coverage was not working at all, players staying planted with too many gaps, Southern Miss was attacking those holes easily in the first half. Man-to-man was just simply the better option for this noon game, but Miami didn’t fully lean on it until later.

At halftime the game was tied at 34–34. Miami shot 36% FG, Southern Miss was better at 50%. The rebounding edge went to Southern Miss. They brought physical energy on both ends. Miami wasn’t efficient because they weren’t getting clean looks, Southern Mississippi’s length and effort made them real uncomfortable.

Five minutes into the second half Miami built a 3-point lead, still shooting under 40%, but the talent difference was obvious. Southern Miss defended well and played tough but Miami still controlled the margin. The real shift occurred when Miami completely ditched the zone, exactly what needed to happen. Once they locked into man-to-man, everything flipped. Miami went on a 32–17 run across the next ten minutes and took full command, 66–51.

From there Miami opened a 20-point lead. They went back to zone a bit once the game was basically wrapped. Their starting five showed they are the group Miami can rely on. Southern Miss went to their reserves with five minutes left.

A huge part of Miami’s second-half surge was the performance from freshman Timotej Malovec. It was a breakout game for him. He finished with 16 points on 5-of-11 FG and 4-of-10 from three. His fundamentals are raw, but the tools are obviously there, good feel, smooth mechanics, great arc on the jumper. He only had one drive all game, but that euro-step finish told me everything I needed about his touch and pacing. Once he adds strength to his frame, his game is going to open up. I asked him about his role and he kept it simple: he does what the coaches ask. That discipline is going to take him far.

Reneau was Miami’s tone-setter. 21 points in 18 minutes on 6-of-12 FG and 2-of-3 from deep. Every shot looked comfortable. He’s Miami’s best producer on both sides. When he’s locked in, he has one of the strongest physical/skill combos in college basketball. The only critique from today’s game is pace. He plays slow at times, maybe part of Miami’s offensive structure, but if he pushes to impact every possession, he can rise quickly on draft boards.

Shelton Henderson quietly had one of the most complete performances: 12 points on 4-of-5 FG, plus 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block. His defense was huge, especially in Miami’s zone packages where he had the freedom to use his physicality on the wing. I asked him about sometimes appearing passive offensively and loved his answer; he lets the game come to him and executes what coaches ask. With how much information young players have to process in today’s NCAA systems, that mindset makes sense. Some draft boards don’t even have him top-60, which is hard for me to understand. The size, the frame, the defensive reliability, he can match an NBA wing physically on defense today. He has first-round type tools.

Southern Miss’s Isaac Taveras, a skilled 6 ‘6 junior, had an off night. The coaching staff said it plainly: they couldn’t handle Miami physically, and execution broke down.

In the end, Miami’s second-half shift to man-to-man and the talent advantage from their core group blew the game open. The starting five showed they can stabilize and take over once they lock into what works. The first half exposed the weaknesses of the zone, but the second half was a complete response; physicality, discipline, shot-making, with young players stepping into real roles. Miami figured the game out and dominated the exact moment they needed to.

This article was written by Matias Deya, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

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