Tre Donaldson matched his career best with 27 points, helping the University of Miami men’s basketball team secure a 91-81 win over Georgia Tech at the Watsco Center on Saturday. Donaldson was efficient from the field, shooting 8-of-13 and making 8-of-9 free throws. He also contributed 10 assists, marking his fifth double-double this season.
Miami has now won nine consecutive games, improving to a 14-2 overall record and remaining undefeated in conference play at 3-0. The Hurricanes started strong with a 15-2 run led by Shelton Henderson, who scored seven early points. By halftime, Miami held a 47-33 lead after outshooting Georgia Tech by a significant margin.
Henderson finished with 17 points—14 of which came in the first half—while Ernest Udeh Jr. added his fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Udeh has now recorded at least ten rebounds in ten games this year.
Georgia Tech narrowed the gap to five points late in the second half before Timo Malovec hit a key three-pointer for Miami. In the closing moments, Donaldson made crucial shots to extend Miami’s lead and help seal the victory.
After the game, Head Coach Jai Lucas said: “I mean, wins are hard to come by, especially in the conference. And the league is so much better this year not just with the quality of players but also with the quality of players, coaches become better too. Damon’s always been a great coach, but he’s just got better players this year than he’s had before and he’s always done a good job with everything he does, his game plan, his prep, everything. You know, my big thing for the team was they always fight back. They’ve been down almost every game that they’ve been in and they always come back and make it competitive and today was no different. I just felt like we just had a few too many lapses offensively and defensively that kind of helped them and helped them get back in the game, but they did a great job of competing. He changed up his whole game plan. You know, he went really small, spread the court, did stuff a little bit different than they had played. And so, you know, it’s a testament to him. And then the testament to our guys is just battling and just sticking through and finding a way to win. You know, the hardest thing to do is win. No matter how you get it done.”
Lucas praised Donaldson’s ability in late-game situations: “You know, he’s got the gene at the end of the game, and it’s what we saw when we recruited him…He loves those moments…And so you know in those moments I trust him.”
Lucas also commented on Udeh’s offensive contributions: “Yeah…He’s like a great wide receiver…So it just opens everything else when you have somebody that’s such a lob threat…And his rebounding has been most impressive for me.”
Donaldson credited teammates and coaching staff for putting him in positions to succeed: “I mean all glory goes to God…Just when coach puts me in right situation…get these guys in areas where they thrive—that’s my biggest thing.”
Reflecting on leadership growth during his college career Donaldson said: “I’ve been on long journey…I want to win so bad…Whatever it takes to win I’m going do it…”
Udeh spoke about improvements at free throws: “No honestly…my faith for me has carried me throughout my entire basketball career…Jesus has been with me since I was born…”
On trusting preparation Udeh added: “So obviously when I get out there…and knowing that…and trusting that it’s going go in when I get it up…”
Miami will next play Notre Dame on Tuesday at 7 p.m., available on ESPNU or locally via radio on 560 AM WQAM.
Tickets for upcoming men’s basketball games can be purchased online through www.miamihurricanes.com/tickets.
