Larrañaga’s team took a 13-point edge, 42-29, into the locker room behind a 51.4 percent (18-of-35) shooting on the offensive end and 10 points from Miller. IUP posted just a 32.0 percent (8-of-25) mark at the other end, but half its makes came from 3-point range.
The Hurricanes went on a 14-4 surge in just 3:55 early in the second half to take a game-best 21-point cushion, 62-41, with 11:34 to play and end any hopes of a comeback bid by the visitors. Miami eventually used a late 11-0 burst to up its advantage as high as 36, en route to the 34-point decision.
Miller’s 19 points came on 8-of-10 shooting and he added a co-team-high seven rebounds. Wong notched his 19 points on a 6-of-10 clip, including a perfect 3-of-3 mark from 3-point range.
Sophomore guard Wooga Poplar, in the starting lineup for the first time a Hurricane, tallied 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Third-year sophomore guard Nijel Pack scored 11 points and dished out a game-best six assists, while Omier finished with 10 points and a co-team-high seven boards. Fourth-year junior forward Anthony Walker added nine points on 4-of-5 shooting.
“I think we’ve got five, six, seven guys who can really put the ball in the basket,” Larrañaga said. “So, it gives me confidence that if we can defend and rebound, that gives us a chance to be in good position at the end.”
Graduate student guard Shawndale Jones paced IUP with 15 points, but Miami held him to a 4-of-11 ledger. Redshirt senior guard Dave Morris posted 14 points, as did sophomore forward Tomiwa Sulaiman, who added a game-best eight rebounds.
Miami finished the afternoon shooting 54.4 percent (37-of-68), while limiting the Crimson Hawks to a 30.0 percent (18-of-60) mark. The Hurricanes had a 25-3 edge in points off turnovers, a 27-3 margin in fast-break points and a 56-18 tally in paint points.
In addition, Miami forced 17 turnovers and committed only five, notching 12 steals and conceding just three. It also had 10 blocks, including three by freshman center Favour Aire, compared to IUP’s one.
The Hurricanes will begin the 2022-23 regular season Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m., when they host Lafayette at the Watsco Center, live on ACC Network Extra. The 2021-22 Elite Eight banner will be unveiled in a pregame ceremony.
Fans can purchase an opening night ticket for both the men’s and women’s basketball game (Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. against UMES) for just $15 by clicking HERE.
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