In a thrilling showdown at the Watsco Center on February 11, 2025, the Miami Hurricanes secured a 91-84 victory over the Syracuse Orange, propelled by senior guard Matthew Cleveland’s career-high 32-point performance.
This win not only highlighted Cleveland’s exceptional talent but also marked a significant turning point for Miami’s basketball program.
Matthew Cleveland’s Stellar Performance
Matthew Cleveland’s journey to this career-defining game has been marked by consistent growth and dedication. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 200 pounds, the Atlanta native has been a pivotal player for the Hurricanes since transferring from Florida State. His versatility as a guard allows him to drive to the basket with authority, shoot from the perimeter, and defend multiple positions.
In the game against Syracuse, Cleveland showcased his full offensive arsenal. He was efficient from the field, making 12 of his 18 shot attempts, and demonstrated composure at the free-throw line, sinking 7 of 8. Beyond scoring, Cleveland contributed five assists, facilitating ball movement and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Reflecting on his performance, Cleveland stated, “I’ve been putting in the work every day, and tonight it all came together. My teammates trusted me, and I wanted to deliver for them.”
Team Dynamics and Contributions
While Cleveland’s performance was the highlight, the Hurricanes’ victory was a collective effort. Freshman guard Jalil Bethea delivered a career-best 21 points, providing a significant boost off the bench. His ability to score from beyond the arc stretched Syracuse’s defense and opened up driving lanes for his teammates.
A.J. Staton-McCray also played a crucial role, especially in the closing moments. He netted pivotal free throws that helped Miami maintain their lead as Syracuse attempted a late-game rally. Staton-McCray’s defensive efforts were equally important, as he applied pressure on Syracuse’s primary ball handlers, forcing turnovers and disrupting their offensive rhythm.
Head coach Jim Larrañaga praised his team’s resilience, saying, “Every player stepped up tonight. Matthew was outstanding, but it was a team effort that secured this win. We’ve been through a lot this season, and this game shows the character and determination of our group.”
Overcoming Adversity
The 2024-2025 season had been challenging for Miami prior to this game. The Hurricanes endured a 20-game conference losing streak, a period marked by injuries, close losses, and growing pains for a relatively young roster. However, the team remained focused, emphasizing development and cohesion.
In the weeks leading up to the Syracuse matchup, Miami began to show signs of turning the corner. They secured their first ACC win of the season, which boosted the team’s morale and confidence. The victory against Syracuse marked their second conference win in three games, indicating a positive trajectory.
Coach Larrañaga reflected on the journey, stating, “We’ve faced our share of challenges, but the guys never wavered in their commitment. This win is a testament to their hard work and belief in each other.”
Syracuse’s Valiant Effort
The Syracuse Orange entered the game with aspirations of strengthening their position in the ACC standings. Sophomore guard J.J. Starling led the team with 25 points, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. Center Eddie Lampkin Jr. was a dominant presence in the paint, recording a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Despite their individual performances, Syracuse struggled defensively, allowing Miami to shoot 55.4% from the field, including 50% from three-point range. The Orange’s defensive lapses, particularly in transition, allowed the Hurricanes to capitalize on fast-break opportunities and maintain their lead.
Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry acknowledged the defensive shortcomings, saying, “We didn’t execute our defensive game plan as well as we needed to. Miami took advantage of our mistakes, and it’s something we need to address moving forward.”
The Impact of the Victory
This victory holds significant implications for Miami’s basketball program. Beyond improving their conference record, the win serves as a morale booster and a validation of the team’s efforts throughout a challenging season.
For Matthew Cleveland, his standout performance has elevated his profile within collegiate basketball circles. Scouts and analysts have taken note of his scoring ability, versatility, and leadership qualities. As a senior, Cleveland’s experience and poise have been invaluable to the Hurricanes, and his recent performances have only solidified his reputation as one of the ACC’s premier guards.
Looking ahead, the Hurricanes aim to build on this momentum. With several conference games remaining, Miami has the opportunity to improve their standing and potentially secure a spot in the ACC tournament. The team’s recent performances suggest that they are peaking at the right time, with players stepping into their roles and executing the game plan effectively.
A Glimpse into the Future
The emergence of players like Jalil Bethea provides a promising outlook for Miami’s future. As a freshman, Bethea’s ability to contribute significantly in high-pressure situations bodes well for the program’s trajectory. His development, alongside other young talents on the roster, indicates that the Hurricanes are building a foundation for sustained success.
Coach Larrañaga emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “Our focus has always been on developing our players, both on and off the court. Seeing guys like Jalil step up is rewarding, and it speaks to the culture we’re building here.”
Conclusion
The Miami Hurricanes’ 91-84 victory over the Syracuse Orange, highlighted by Matthew Cleveland’s career-high 32 points, represents a pivotal moment in their season. It underscores the team’s resilience, the emergence of
young talent, and the ability to rise to the occasion despite adversity. The win is not just a statistical boost for Miami’s record but a defining moment that could shape the remainder of their season and beyond.
Cleveland’s Leadership and the Team’s Growing Confidence
Matthew Cleveland’s leadership was on full display throughout the game. While his 32-point explosion grabbed headlines, it was his poise, decision-making, and ability to rally his team that truly stood out. In crunch time, when Syracuse attempted a late push, Cleveland remained composed, making key plays to keep Miami in control.
His ability to attack the rim with finesse and power, combined with an improved three-point shot, makes him a dangerous all-around scorer. He demonstrated this against Syracuse, weaving through defenders for tough finishes at the rim while also knocking down critical perimeter shots.
Beyond his offensive prowess, Cleveland’s defensive intensity was a crucial factor. He frequently disrupted passing lanes and applied relentless pressure on Syracuse’s primary ball handlers. His two steals and multiple deflections helped create transition opportunities for Miami, allowing them to maintain their fast-paced offensive approach.
The Hurricanes fed off Cleveland’s energy, showing a newfound confidence that had been missing in previous games. This was evident in their aggressive approach on both ends of the floor—whether it was diving for loose balls, contesting every shot, or pushing the tempo in transition. The team played with a level of determination that suggested they were no longer the same squad that endured a difficult start to conference play.
Turning Point in the Season?
Before their matchup with Syracuse, the Hurricanes had struggled in ACC play, failing to close out games despite competitive performances. Injuries and inconsistent shooting plagued their efforts, resulting in multiple narrow losses. However, with this victory, Miami may have finally found the spark they needed to turn their season around.
A win against a formidable Syracuse squad—a team battling for ACC supremacy—is no small feat. The victory demonstrated that Miami has the talent and chemistry to compete with some of the conference’s best. If they can continue building on this momentum, they have a real chance to climb the ACC standings and make a push for a postseason berth.
Coach Jim Larrañaga, known for his ability to get the best out of his players, emphasized the importance of maintaining this level of play moving forward. “We can’t be satisfied with just one great performance. This has to be the standard we set for ourselves. If we continue playing with this level of effort and execution, we can achieve something special.”
Upcoming Challenges and Key Games
Miami’s schedule does not get any easier. With matchups against top-tier ACC teams like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia still on the horizon, the Hurricanes will need to carry this newfound confidence into every game.
One of the biggest challenges will be maintaining their offensive efficiency. Against Syracuse, Miami shot a blistering 55.4% from the field and 50% from three-point range—numbers that are difficult to sustain over an extended period. However, if players like Cleveland, Bethea, and Staton-McCray continue stepping up, Miami has the firepower to compete with any team in the conference.
Defensively, the Hurricanes showed signs of improvement against Syracuse, but there is still work to be done. They allowed 84 points and struggled at times to contain Syracuse’s star players, particularly J.J. Starling and Eddie Lampkin Jr. Moving forward, defensive consistency will be critical, especially against elite scoring teams in the ACC.
A Star in the Making? Cleveland’s NBA Prospects
Matthew Cleveland’s breakout performance has undoubtedly caught the attention of NBA scouts. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him an intriguing prospect for the next level.
Scouts have long praised his ability to score at all three levels, but what stood out in the Syracuse game was his improved playmaking and leadership. His five assists were a testament to his court vision and willingness to involve his teammates.
While Cleveland is not currently projected as a lottery pick, performances like this could significantly boost his draft stock. If he continues to put up big numbers and showcase his defensive versatility, he could find himself rising up draft boards as the season progresses.
For now, Cleveland remains focused on helping Miami win games. When asked about his NBA future, he responded, “I’m just focused on the next game. Whatever happens after the season will take care of itself. Right now, I just want to help my team win.”
The Fans and the Energy at Watsco Center
One of the underrated aspects of Miami’s victory was the electric atmosphere at the Watsco Center. The Hurricanes’ fan base showed up in full force, creating an environment that fueled the team’s energy.
Miami’s home-court advantage has been inconsistent this season, with the team struggling to string together wins in front of their home crowd. However, if the Hurricanes continue playing at this level, they could turn Watsco Center into a fortress down the stretch of the season.
Fans erupted after every Cleveland bucket, and the energy in the arena was palpable during the game’s closing moments. The Hurricanes fed off that energy, making key plays to seal the victory.
Coach Larrañaga acknowledged the impact of the fans, saying, “Our crowd was fantastic tonight. They gave us that extra boost when we needed it. We’re going to need that energy for the rest of the season.”
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment?
Miami’s 91-84 victory over Syracuse was more than just another win—it was a statement. It proved that despite early-season struggles, this team has the talent and resilience to compete with the best in the ACC.
Matthew Cleveland’s career-high 32-point performance was a reminder of his star potential and his importance to Miami’s success. With his leadership, the emergence of young talents like Jalil Bethea, and the steady guidance of Coach Larrañaga, the Hurricanes have all the pieces needed to make a late-season push.
The question now is: Can they build on this momentum?
If this game was any indication, the Miami Hurricanes might have just found their groove at the perfect time. The road ahead remains challenging, but with newfound confidence and a star leading the charge, Miami could be in for a thrilling finish to the season.