It was obvious before tipoff that the University of Miami game against No. 5 Duke was no ordinary Hurricanes home game.
Thirty-seven NBA scouts requested seats. Celeb couple Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez sat courtside. Heat owner Micky Arison showed up, and it was tough to find parking.
The game lived up to its ESPN “Big Monday” hype. Miami, ranked No. 25, opened up a 13-point second-half lead over the Blue Devils, electrifying the soldout Watsco Center. Duke then reeled off 18 consecutive points and stayed ahead for the 83-75 victory.
Duke shot 55 percent and held UM to 37 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent from three-point range.