Miami Pushes Past Slow Start to Win Season Opener Over Lafayette

The Miami men’s basketball team hosted Lafayette for their 2022-23 season opener on Monday night. Coming off of last season’s run to the Elite Eight, the first in program history, the Hurricanes got off to a slow start, but ultimately walked away with a 67-54 win over Lafayette.

The Hurricanes struggled to knock down shots early, shooting 29.4% from the field in the first half, while Lafayette shot 44% from the field. Miami turned it around in the second half, essentially flipping the percentages between the two teams, as the Hurricanes shot 45.8% and held Lafayette to 29.6% from the field. Miami outscored Lafayette by 15 points in the second half, which was seemingly the difference in the game.

Transfer portal pickups, Nijel Pack and Norchad Omier, had a major impact on the game for the Hurricanes. Pack, a third-year sophomore guard from Kansas State, had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Omier, a third-year sophomore forward from Arkansas State, dominated the glass while recording a double-double, as he racked up 11 points and 15 rebounds. Omier’s game-high, 15 rebounds, was more than double the next leading rebounder for either team.

Returning fourth-year junior guard, Isaiah Wong, picked up where he left off last season, tying Pack for the Hurricanes’ leading scorer, with 16 points. Wong also recorded 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.