Hurricanes Cap Off Season on Slam Dunk Win Over NC State

CORAL GABLES, FL – It was senior day for the Miami Hurricanes. The Canes came into the game shorthanded once again as they squared off against the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Without Lynn Kidd or Paul Djobet, UM was down to just seven players who were ready to play. Down by 10 at the half, they changed their defensive strategy and were determined to put on a fight. As a result, the Hurricanes were able to end their season on a high note thanks to a slam dunk victory over NC State, 72-70.

One last hurrah for Matthew Cleveland

Matthew Cleveland continued his stretch of being consistent on the floor. He matched his career-high of 32 points, tallied five rebounds, and set a career-high of four blocks. Cleveland finishes his NCAA career with 25 20-point contests and four 30-point outings.

Matthew Cleveland bounced back on how he weathered the storm of a difficult season, saying

“The biggest thing I can takeaway is being a better teammate, being a better leader. And no matter what your situation is, you can always find a way to be grateful and be blessed in a situation.”

Matt Slam 🔨🔨🔨

Watch: The CW pic.twitter.com/EzlmcULdLA

— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) March 8, 2025

Slam dunking his way to victory

Brandon Johnson made his game-winning slam dunk the most memorable shot of the season for the Hurricanes. When Canes fans look back in time over this lost season, they will always remember this as one of the few bright moments.

He had a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Johnson saved the best shot for last. For Johnson himself, he will absolutely remember this play in his collegiate career.

Brandon Johnson with the slam dunk to cap off the season with a magical 72-70 win. @CanesHoops finished the game on a 10-0 run.#CardiacCanes #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/zc9NUt2pTO

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) March 8, 2025

2nd half heroics come to life

For the majority of the season, UM was known for collapsing their leads for good in the second half. This game was different on the other hand. They outscored the Wolfpack 41-29 in the second half. Better yet, they finished the game on an energizing 10-0 run.

The fans at the Watsco Center were as loud as ever once A.J. Staton-McCray splashed a three-pointer to tie this one up at 70.

AJ Staton-McCray ties it at 70 @CanesHoops pic.twitter.com/OMWXssRc5Y

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) March 8, 2025

Will he stay or will he go?

Austin Swartz showed how he was the most promising freshman on the squad this season. As the season went on, his minutes started to increase, and he was being counted on more frequently. He was relentless on the court once again, scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds. The question now this offseason would be if he sticks around on campus at UM or if he were to transfer to a program with a more stable outlook.

He remarked on what this win meant for him, saying

“Like I said, there’s not too many teams that end off on a win. So, just being able to get all our guys, all our coaches a win…cause we don’t know what’s going to happen. Just going off on a win, it was full of joy in the locker room and there’s no better feeling.”

Matthew Cleveland and Austin Swartz reflect on today’s comeback victory and their perspective futures@LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/MS0YXbJ91x

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) March 8, 2025

Bill Courtney farewell

Even though the seniors were honored before the game, this couldn’t have meant more for Bill Courtney. Having some tough shoes to fill back in late December wasn’t easy, as this win was an emotional one for him.

Courtney in his opening statement,

“I’m very proud of this group…to end the season that way with all the adversity we faced. Them basically facing an impossible situation since Christmas. To band together for one last opportunity to e a team, be a family, and overcome some obstacles. I couldn’t be more proud.”

The last presser for Bill Courtney as @CanesHoops head coach@LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/1FeYFae6jk

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) March 8, 2025

New era starts now

The 2024-25 season is now history, and we shall now turn our attention towards the new head coach, Jai Lucas. Lucas will have his introductory press conference at the University of Miami this Monday at 11:30 AM.