Cleveland Scores 32, Lifting Hurricanes Past Syracuse 91-84

Coral Gables, FL – The Miami Hurricanes‘ previous game was a tough loss in Louisville while their head coach was out with an illness. The Hurricanes were looking to extend their home winning streak against an ACC team. That’s exactly what they were able to accomplish against the Syracuse Orange. Matthew Cleveland was lights out, scoring a career-high 32 points while lifting the Hurricanes past Syracuse 91-84.

Hurricanes succeed in making shots

In the 1st half of the game, UM made 54.8% of their shots from the floor. There was a lot of basket trading in the half until UM held an 11-2 run to take a 42-31 lead. Within the first 20 minutes of game time, five Hurricane players already had themselves 5+ points.

The 2nd half was even better as they shot for 56%. It got as neck-and-neck as it could be. After a 54-52 deficit, UM went on a 6-0 run. Syracuse responded back with a 7-0 run to retake the lead at 61-58. UM then had their own 8-0 to make it a 66-61 game. Following that, the Canes kept the lead all the way to the finish line.

Cleveland had his third game season scoring 30+ points. He also had three rebounds and five assists. Regarding the trade of scoring runs for both teams, he said

“Just talking to each other saying what the problem was on that 8-0 run. And just getting stops on the defensive end, getting rebounds. We knew if we got the rebounds, we’d push and we’d get shots.”

Jalil Bethea scored a career-high 21 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out four assists. He also shot 75% (3/4) in 3-point shooting. He discussed what clicked for him in the game, after not scoring a basket in the previous one, saying

“I was just confident today. I saw the ball go in once…my first shot went in, and I feel like all the other shots just mirrored the first one.”

Both Matthew Cleveland and Jalil Bethea scored career highs in points. Hear what they had to say in tonight’s presser. @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/mpQgIuk4ge

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) February 12, 2025

Paul Djobet tied his career-high of points with 13. Coach Bill Courtney was impressed with his performance, saying

“We needed him. When Paul takes a good shot, he’s a good shooter. He took two crazy runners, and I was ready to strangle him. But he took great shots, made wide open three’s…off penetrating pitch. I thought Paul’s energy was terrific; his ball pressure really impacted the game…especially in the stretch of the 2nd half when we got stops. I thought Paul was tremendous today.”

Listen to Bill Courtney talk about the collective effort his team brought forth tonight @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/XVze2SlF2r

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) February 12, 2025

ACC road games

The Hurricanes play their next two games against ACC foes. Saturday, February 15th, they play Pittsburgh at 12:00 PM. On Wednesday, February 19th, they play Florida State at 9:00 PM. Neither team has great records against conference opponents, making these games up for grabs in either side’s win columns.