Hurricanes Top Georgetown, 78-65, to Close Out ESPN Events Invitational

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The University of Miami men’s basketball team closed out the Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational with a 78-65 win over Georgetown on Friday.

Miami (6-2) got off to a hot start, opening the game on a 16-3 run over the first seven minutes. Georgetown (5-2) made their first basket of the contest before the Canes forced the Hoyas to miss their next 15 shot attempts and only allowed one point over the next nine minutes.

After Georgetown cut the lead to six, 18-12, Miami ended the half on a 23-8 run to take a 41-20 lead at the break. The Hurricanes shot 15-of-29 from the floor and were led by Malik Reneau, who led the way with 19 points including a 3-pointer to end the half. Defensively, Miami held Georgetown to 18.5-percent, the lowest by an opponent this season, and 3-of-13 from beyond the arc.

After starting the second half 1-for-5 from the floor, Miami made its next 10 field goals and extended the lead to as high as 24, 63-39, with 9:23 remaining. Georgetown cut the lead down to 10, 74-64, with 1:47 remaining, but Miami was to keep the Hoyas at bay as Tre Donaldson hit a pullup jumper and Tru Washington buried a pair of free throws.

Reneau led the Hurricanes with 23 points as Washington added 17 points and six rebounds. Donaldson registered 13 points, six assists and four rebounds. Miami finished the game shooting 58.8-percent from the floor and was 60-percent from 3-point range.

Miami outscored Georgetown, 32-22, inside the paint and outrebounded the Hoyas, 33-31.

The Hurricanes return to the hardwood Tuesday at it takes part in the ACC/SEC Challenge. The Hurricanes head to Ole Miss for a 9 p.m. contest that will air on SEC Network.