Grant Leads Miami Over Florida Gulf Coast

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) – Malcolm Grant posted his second 20-point performance of the season to lead Miami to an 87-75 victory over Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday night at Alico Arena.

Durand Scott added 15 points and a season-high eight assists, while Garrius Adams tied his career-high with 13 points for the Hurricanes (4-2).

Reggie Johnson added his fourth double-double of the season for the ‘Canes with 11 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Adrian Thomas had 12 points off the bench as five Hurricanes finished in double-figure scoring for the third time in six games this season.

Anthony Banks scored 21 points and Reed Baker 20 for Florida Gulf Coast (2-3).

Miami hit 10 of 20 3-pointers in the first half to take a 50-39 lead. Grant hit five treys in the first half and finished with a career-high six, hitting at least one 3-pointer in 13 straight games – the second-longest active streak in the ACC, behind Florida State’s Deividas Dulkys, who has hit a 3-pointer in 14 straight games. Florida State was idle Saturday.

The Hurricanes finished with 13 3s, just two shy of the school record.

Holding the Eagles scoreless for a 4:40 stretch in the first half, Miami went on a run of 11 unanswered points and led 28-17.

Miami’s biggest lead was 17 in the second half. FGCU drew within seven but no closer.

On the Double
Sophomore center Reggie Johnson notched his fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes at Florida Gulf Coast. He has notched a double-double in four of his last five games and is among three ACC players averaging a double-double (12.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg).

Arch Support
The Hurricanes shot 10-of-20 from beyond the arc in the opening half, including a career-high five by junior Malcolm Grant, who extended his consecutive games with a three-pointer streak to 13 — the second-longest active streak in the ACC. He finished with six treys, while sophomore Garrius Adams sank a career-high tying three three-pointers en route to a career-high tying 13 points. Adrian Thomas hit a pair of 3s and Durand Scott and Rion Brown each added one as Miami sank 13 3s on the night — just two shy of the school record..

Offensive Balance
For the third time this season, at least five `Canes scored in double figures with Malcolm Grant (20), Durand Scott (15), Garrius Adams (13), Adrian Thomas (12) and Reggie Johnson (11) all scoring 10-plus points. Miami had six players in double figures in Wednesday’s win over McNeese State, while five ‘Canes scored in double figures in the season-opening win over Jacksonville..

Halftime High
Miami’s 50 first-half points marked the most for the Hurricanes since scoring 61 in a home game versus Nova Southeastern on Nov. 16, 2009.

On the Road Again
Saturday’s victory at Florida Gulf Coast marked the first true road victory for Miami since defeating Pepperdine, 86-63, on Jan. 3, 2010.

Start it Up
Sophomore Garrius Adams made his first start of the season this evening and the eighth of his career. He started seven straight games in ACC play as a true freshman in 2009-10.

Ticket Information
Secure your tickets to see the Hurricanes take on top-ranked Duke on Feb. 13 by purchasing the ACC 4-Pack. For additional information or to order season tickets, please contact the Hurricane Ticket Office online at www.hurricanesports.com or by phone at 1-800-GO-CANES.