Late Free Throws Lift Miami Over NC State

Tru Washington's clutch performance helps Hurricanes rally past Wolfpack

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Tru Washington made three free throws with 3.7 seconds left to lift the Miami Hurricanes to a 77-76 victory over the North Carolina State Wolfpack in an ACC matchup. Miami outscored NC State 56-32 in the paint and had a 20-8 edge on offensive rebounds. Malik Reneau led the Hurricanes with 26 points and 6 rebounds, while Shelton Henderson added 17 points and 9 rebounds. NC State had a chance to win at the buzzer but freshman Matt Able missed a running 3-pointer.

Why it matters

This was a critical conference win for Miami, who have now won three straight games and improved to 9-3 in ACC play. The loss drops NC State to 9-4 in the conference, ending their two-game winning streak. The game featured several lead changes and a dramatic finish, showcasing the competitive nature of ACC basketball this season.

The details

Miami outscored NC State 56-32 in the paint and had a 20-8 edge on offensive rebounds. Tru Washington, who had missed Miami's previous three games, came off the bench to score 13 points, including the game-winning free throws with 3.7 seconds left. NC State had a chance to win at the buzzer but freshman Matt Able missed a running 3-pointer.

  • The game was played on Saturday afternoon, February 15, 2026.
  • With 5:43 left in the second half, Miami's Tre Donaldson made two technical free throws to give the Hurricanes a 69-65 lead.
  • NC State then went on an 11-0 run, but Miami responded with an 8-0 run capped by Tru Washington's game-winning free throws with 3.7 seconds left.

The players

Tru Washington

A Miami player who made the game-winning free throws in the final seconds to lift the Hurricanes to victory.

Malik Reneau

The leading scorer for Miami with 26 points and 6 rebounds.

Matt Able

A freshman for NC State who had a career-high 17 points off the bench, though he missed the potential game-winning shot at the buzzer.

Ven-Allen Lubin

NC State player who had 17 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Paul McNeil Jr.

NC State player who scored 14 points, all in the second half.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.