CORAL GABLES – Gardner-Webb gave No. 12 Miami fits through the first 20 minutes of action, but the Hurricanes used a 24-2 run to open the second half to break open a 77-45 win in both teams' season opener.

Gardner-Webb (0-1) opened the game on a 7-0 run and played Miami (1-0) even in the early going.

After the Hurricanes opened up a 27-18 lead with 1:26 to play before the break, Gardner-Webb closed the half with a 5-0 run. Liam O'Reilly knocked down a late three to trim the Hurricanes' lead to 27-23 at the break, and Gardner-Webb was well within striking distance.

Miami went to work out of the locker room, scoring 14 in a row before Gardner-Webb would get on the scoreboard again. That run grew to 24-2, as the Hurricanes got free for open looks from long distance, and for dunks in the paint to build an insurmountable advantage.

The Runnin' Bulldogs shot just 31.7 percent for the game, knocking down only 4-of-16 from long distance in a difficult shooting night. Gardner-Webb's normally effective ability to penetrate was negated Friday night, with only six trips to the free throw line (1-of-6, 16.7 percent).

D.J. Laster led the way for Gardner-Webb, scoring 10 points to go with eight rebounds. David Efianayi and O'Reilly each scored nine points for the 'Dogs and Eric Jamison added six.

Miami made only nine field goals in the first half, but found its touch in the final stanza, shooting 63.6 percent (21-of-33) to get on its roll. The Hurricanes shot 50.0 percent (30-of-60) for the game, made seven three-pointers – and has 21 assists on those 30 made baskets.

The Hurricanes placed five men in double figures, paced by Ebuka Izundu off the bench with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Dewan Huell also scored 14 points and Bruce Brown had 10 points, 11 boards and 10 assists for his second career triple-double.

Ja'Quan Newton had 13 points and freshman star Lonnie Walker IV scored 10 for the 12th-ranked Hurricanes.

Things don't get any easier for the Runnin' Bulldogs, as a date at No. 7 Florida awaits Monday night. The Runnin' Bulldogs and Gators will tip in Gainesville at 7:00 pm (11/13), with the game set to air live on ESPNU. Miami hosts Navy on Sunday.