Miami Hurricanes edge Virginia Tech 67-66 at Watsco Center as Donaldson closes with 15 straight points

Miami extends ACC momentum in one-possession finish

The University of Miami men’s basketball team defeated Virginia Tech 67-66 on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, surviving a late-game swing in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup.

Miami entered the night with a 20-5 overall record and a 9-3 mark in ACC play; the win moved the Hurricanes to 21-5 and 10-3 in conference. Virginia Tech fell to 17-10 overall and 6-8 in the ACC.

Donaldson’s finishing stretch decides a low-margin game

Guard Tre Donaldson scored a career-high 32 points and accounted for Miami’s final 15 points, turning a narrow deficit into a late lead. Miami’s margin was built less on volume shooting and more on a decisive closing sequence that produced the final difference on the scoreboard.

Virginia Tech led at halftime, 34-31, after shooting 50% from the field in the first half. Miami, meanwhile, trailed despite holding the Hokies close on the glass and limiting turnovers, but struggled from three-point range through much of the night.

Possession-by-possession ending hinges on fouls and execution

The closing minute featured a series of half-court possessions and stoppages. After Donaldson tied the score late, Miami used its bonus situation to get to the line in the final seconds. A foul with roughly 12 seconds remaining sent Donaldson to the stripe, where he made one of two free throws to give the Hurricanes a 67-66 lead.

Virginia Tech’s final opportunity was shaped by Miami having fouls to give, leading to additional clock run-off and a late reset. The Hokies ultimately had a last possession after a timeout with under four seconds remaining, but the final attempt did not fall.

Team numbers show contrasting paths to the same margin

• Virginia Tech shot 28-of-56 (50.0%) from the field and 8-of-20 (40.0%) from three.
• Miami shot 27-of-61 (44.3%) overall and 4-of-16 (25.0%) from three.
• Free throws separated the totals: Miami went 9-of-13, while Virginia Tech attempted only three free throws (2-of-3).

Final score: Miami 67, Virginia Tech 66 (Halftime: Virginia Tech 34, Miami 31).

For Virginia Tech, Amani Hansberry led with 16 points. For Miami, Donaldson’s late-game scoring run provided the deciding edge in a matchup that remained within one possession until the final horn.