Miami Looks to Make a Statement and Upset No. 11 North Carolina: Live Updates

Will this be the moment for Jai Lucas and the Miami Hurricanes to say they have arrived?

Only time will tell, but they have a top-ten team entering Coral Gables as the Hurricanes are set to take on No. 14 North Carolina.

The Hurricanes have struggled with marginal victories and losses this season, which the Tar Heels have taken advantage of. The Canes will have to be at their best, and it starts with their star freshman, Shelton Henderson.

Miami Players to Watch: Shelton Henderson

The Hurricanes have seen growth out of their two-star freshmen Dante Allen and Henderson, but the day-one starter is starting to figure out his game. Henderson is watching the game slow down for him, outside his free-throw shooting. He leads all freshmen in basketball in field goal percentage while also shifting into a first option for the Canes.

His size allows him to bully anyone and be elite in transition. He is the engine that can push the Hurricanes over the top against the Tar Heels, but it will come down to shooting over 70 percent from the free-throw line and knocking down one or two three-pointers.

The Hurricanes still have a Tru Washington question mark as they wait for his return for 'personal reasons," but this would be the best time for him to return. The Canes defense has taken a dip in the two games he has missed, and they are set to face off against another projected top five NBA Draft pick

North Carolina Player to Watch: Caleb Wilson

The superstar freshman has been one of the best players in the country this season. If it were not for Cam Boozer, he would be the ACC player of the year. He is averaging 20 points a game and continues to get better game after game.

His size allows him to take the ball off the dribble, move around off the ball, but he is also a physical force in the paint. He makes most of his shots from paint and is a great rebounder. He will be a challenge for the Canes.

How to Watch No. 14 North Carolina at Miami

Who: Miami Hurricanes and North Carolina

When: Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern

Where: Watsco Center, Coral Gables, Fla.

TV: ESPN

Radio: WQAM 104.3

Last Outing, Tar Heels: The Heels are coming off a game-winning shot, giving Duke its second loss of the season. They have been on a roll that has let them stay the course and start to put themselves in title contention thanks to their superstar freshman.

Last Outing, Miami: The Hurricanes are coming off a road victory after a rocky January. They escaped a close game against Boston College while also dealing with endless depth issues.

Pregame:

Some Malik Reneau work ahead of the game. pic.twitter.com/XpUHqsYx7O
— Justice Sandle (@Justice_News5) February 10, 2026

Some Tru Washington Work. Back with the team and listed as probable against No. 11 UNC pic.twitter.com/3SNyaVpcFB
— Miami Hurricanes On SI (@CanesCentralSI) February 10, 2026

First Half:

Miami is off to a great start. They are playing sound defense and switching out of zone to man with ease. They are also getting into transition and getting off. They are generating turnovers. This couldn't have been a better start for the team looking to make a statement. Miami 11, UNC 6

This is the best Miami has looked all season so far. Malik Reneau is hooping right now with nine points and shooting perfectly from the field. The Canes are feeling it and are playing elite basketball. They are attacking the paint. Miami 24, UNC 15

These are the turnovers that Miami was generating at the start of the season. This is the brand of basketball that Miami loves to play. It's still all about sustaining. They have forced five steals and seven turnovers with 7:12 remaining in the game. Miami 31, UNC 27

Timeout on the floor from Miami: The Hurricanes are playing good basketball, but the Tar Heels are right in it still. They are playing some of their best basketball all season, and it is still a two-point game. The lineups have started to go small, and UNC is taking advantage of it. Miami 37, UNC 35

Second Half:

15:57 — The first four minutes of the half have been slow for both teams. The energy isn't there, but it is starting to pick up. Miami 47, UNC 44

Media Timeout 11:09 — This game has been back and forth, but Miami continues to maintain the lead. The issue right now is that they can't make their free throws. They are currently 6-11 from the field. The second they find a way to do that, they will win a lot more games. Miami 53, UNC 51

Media timeout: 7:24 — Miami is slowing the pace down and is killing UNC with their size on the lobs. They have an ok lead, but they are trying to slow down the game. They are in the bonus and can win out if they play well. Miami 59, UNC 55

Media timeout: 3:47 — Slow and smooth is the way Miami is playing right now, in parts. They are still forcing bad passes and turning the ball over, while Caleb Wilson is making pro-like moves and plays to keep the Tar Heels in the game. It has become a chippy game where Miami has to try to find some easy baskets. Miami 63, UNC 60

The Hurricanes are making their free throws and making all of their shots. They have slowed the pace down are breaking free in route to their first ranked victory in three years. Miami has a minute to hold this lead. Miami 70, UNC 64