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Dews, Miami cruise past Florida International

Dec 13, 2008 - 4:13 AM CORAL GABLES, Florida (Ticker) -- James Dews scored 15 points to lead 25th-ranked Miami to an easy victory over Florida International, 76-50, on Friday.

Jack McClinton scored 12 points and Eddie Rios added 10 off the bench for the Hurricanes (6-2), who have won six straight over their in-state rival.

"My teammates did a great job because, if there are two men on me, that means someone else is open," McClinton said. "My teammates stepped it up and made big shots. I fell like we did a great job of rebounding the ball and it worked out."

Michael Dominguez was the only player to score in double figures with 15 points for the Golden Panthers (4-6).

The contest was tight for much of the first half before the Hurricanes pulled away with a late run before the break. A pair of free throws by Dominguez pulled FIU within three, 25-22, at the 6:24 mark.

But McClinton and Dews scored five points apiece during a 17-4 run to close the half as the Hurricanes took a 42-26 advantage into the locker room.

"I'd say we got off to a bit of a slow start, but defensively I felt we played pretty well," Miami coach Frank Haith said. "I thought our guys shot the ball the best we shot all year.

"We also blocked a lot of shots in the ball game. I thought our defensive presence affected the game. I felt we played hard at times, but obviously we've got to play a 40-minute game and we didn't do that tonight - we played in spurts."

Miami scored 22 points off turnovers and held a 34-7 advantage in bench points.

Six different reserves scored for the Hurricanes, who shot 53 percent (28-of-53) from the field.

"I think we go out there and play hard, but there is always room for improvement," Dews said. "Like Jack said, we took a few plays off, but the great teams don't take plays off. That's what we are trying to be, a great team."

The Golden Panthers struggled from the field throughout, knocking down just 30 percent (16-of-53) of their field-goal attempts and 6-of-17 from behind the arc.

Leading scorer Nikola Gacessa was held to just nine points, but tied a season high with eight rebounds. Miami owned a 38-27 advantage on the glass.