Tru Washington’s late free throws cap Miami’s 77-76 road win over NC State in ACC play

Miami rallies late after Washington’s return provides the final points

RALEIGH, N.C. — The University of Miami men’s basketball team edged NC State 77-76 on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Lenovo Center, closing the game at the free-throw line after a frantic final minute.

Guard Tru Washington, playing after a three-game absence for personal reasons, delivered the decisive sequence at the end. With Miami trailing in the closing seconds, Washington secured an offensive rebound that led to a quick finish at the rim, then added late free throws that ultimately separated the teams.

The victory moved Miami to 20-5 overall and 9-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. NC State fell to 18-8 overall and 9-4 in league play.

How the matchup unfolded

NC State carried a 42-37 advantage into halftime, but Miami stayed within reach despite an uneven perimeter night. For the game, the Hurricanes shot 48% from the field (32-of-67) but hit 3-of-17 from three-point range (18%). NC State shot 49% overall (27-of-55) and was more efficient from long range at 9-of-24 (38%).

Miami’s pathway back was built on possession control rather than outside shooting. The Hurricanes won the rebounding battle 40-29, generating additional chances that proved critical in a one-point finish. Miami also committed nine turnovers to NC State’s 10, keeping the late-game margin within a single possession.

• Halftime: NC State 42, Miami 37

• Final: Miami 77, NC State 76

Key contributors and late-game margins

Forward Malik Reneau led Miami with 26 points on 12-of-19 shooting. Shelton Henderson added 17 points and was a factor on the glass as Miami piled up second-chance opportunities. Washington, inserted back into the rotation, made his impact felt most clearly in the closing possessions.

For NC State, Ven-Allen Lubin scored 17 points and collected nine rebounds. Quadir Copeland paced the Wolfpack’s ball movement with five assists.

The closing possessions featured multiple swings, with Miami’s final scoring coming from a quick putback sequence and late free throws as the Hurricanes flipped the outcome in the final seconds.

What it means in the ACC race

The result tightened the standings picture for two teams positioned in the upper half of the league. Miami’s win added another road result to its conference résumé, while NC State absorbed a narrow home defeat in a game where three-point shooting and free-throw efficiency diverged sharply: Miami finished 10-of-20 at the line (50%), while NC State went 13-of-15 (87%).

Miami next returns to conference play with momentum after a week that included a top-15 win at home followed by a one-point road victory.