TAMPA, Fla. – Acaden Lewis scored a game-high 24 points, but the No. 14 University of Miami men's basketball team dropped a 77-67 decision to top-ranked Florida in its 2026-27 season opener Monday at Benchmark International Arena.

Lewis led the Hurricanes (0-1) with 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers, while adding four rebounds. Somto Cyril joined him in double figures with 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting and seven rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. Shelton Henderson added seven points and a team-high nine rebounds.

After trailing by 10 at halftime, Miami came out firing in the second half, opening the period on a 10-2 run to pull within two, 48-46, with 17:25 remaining. Lewis fueled the surge with a pair of jumpers before Malik Reneau capped the run with a 3-pointer.

Florida (1-0) responded with five unanswered points, but Miami continued to battle. With 15:07 remaining, Cyril followed a missed free throw with an offensive rebound and emphatic putback dunk to trim the deficit to 53-51.

The Gators answered with a 13-4 run to extend their advantage to 66-55 midway through the second half. Miami continued to chip away, pulling within seven, 69-62, on a free throw by Caleb Gaskins with 4:35 remaining, but could not complete the comeback.

Miami finished with 39 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards, and outscored Florida in the paint, 26-22. The Gators connected on 11 3-pointers and were led by Thomas Haugh, who recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds. Rueben Chinyelu added 14 rebounds.

The Hurricanes return to Coral Gables for their home opener Friday when they host Wagner at the Watsco Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m., with the game airing nationally on ACC Network.