Miami struggles, then holds off Stetson 87-79 in season opener for both teams
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Reggie Johnson scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Miami held off Stetson 87-79 on Friday in the season opener for both teams.
Kenny Kadji finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for Miami, which trailed by seven late in the first half, then wasted most of a 13-point second-half lead before hanging on in the final minutes. Trey McKinney Jones scored 14 points, Shane Larkin added 13 and Rion Brown had 10 for Miami.
Adam Pegg scored 22 points, Aaron Graham added 21 and Chris Perez finished with 12 for Stetson, which shot 13 for 31 from 3-point range.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Hurricanes played without guard Durand Scott, who still has two games remaining on a suspension imposed by the NCAA late last season for receiving impermissible benefits.
Stetson was down 67-54 with 7:36 left, then came roaring back to get within 76-74 with 2:03 remaining.