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.
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