Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane combine for 47 points as Orlando closes preseason with a 21-point victory and turns its attention to the regular-season opener.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Paolo Banchero scored 24 points and Desmond Bane added 23 as the Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 136-115 on Friday night at Kia Center to close their preseason.

Orlando coach Sean Sweeney credited improved transition defense and unselfish offense for helping the Magic settle into the game after Miami’s fast-paced start.

The victory provided encouraging signs heading into the regular season, although players and coaches emphasized that Orlando’s defense remains a work in progress.

Ball Movement, Bane’s Aggressiveness Lift Orlando

Sweeney said the Magic adjusted to Miami’s speed as the game progressed, allowing Orlando to establish its offense.

“Offensively, we did a pretty good job of sharing the ball again — attacking that way,” Sweeney said.

Bane’s willingness to seek perimeter shots also stood out.

“I thought his aggressiveness was great and he’s got to keep building on it,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney said the preseason gave the starters an opportunity to establish a rhythm while learning how to respond to pressure.

“There is definitely some value in that, anytime you face adversity and have to come back it’s important,” he said.

Defense Remains a Priority

Despite the 21-point victory, Desmond Bane said Orlando’s defensive performance fell short of the team’s expectations.

“I think that we did some things well, especially on the offensive end,” Bane said. “But defensively we knew they were going to be playing fast.”

Bane said the Magic needed to do a better job containing the ball.

“We did okay,” he said. “Good enough to win but not to our standard.”

Nikola Vucevic said limiting Miami’s transition opportunities helped Orlando regain control of the pace and establish its preferred style.

“I think once we took care of that, it was much better,” Vucevic said. “Obviously, offensively it was a really good game for us. I think defensively there’s still room to grow.”

Vucevic said learning a new system requires patience, continued work and adjustments.

“We have to continue to work on it step by step, but there’s definitely a lot of positives,” he said.

Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives toward the basket against Miami Heat defenders during the preseason finale Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The Magic won 136-115. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Vucevic, Bitadze Provide Options Inside

Sweeney praised Vucevic and Goga Bitadze for their preseason contributions, pointing to their different strengths at center.

He highlighted Vucevic’s offensive skills, defensive communication and rebounding, along with Bitadze’s work on the boards, spacing and defensive impact.

“They’ve impacted the game in positive ways every time they’ve played,” Sweeney said.

Vucevic also credited the starters with establishing the team’s intensity and said the reserves must maintain that standard.

“I think also for us, coming off the bench, it’s important that we continue and keep up the same level of play,” he said.

Wagner, Richardson, Penda to Be Re-evaluated

Sweeney provided updates on three Magic players following the game.

Jase Richardson experienced back soreness, Noah Penda had right hamstring tightness and Franz Wagner had right shoulder soreness.

“Those guys will be re-evaluated,” Sweeney said.

He did not provide a timetable for their returns.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks with reporters following Miami’s 136-115 preseason loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Florida National News

Spoelstra Sees Progress Despite Loss

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra credited Orlando’s performance while maintaining that the Heat had made meaningful progress during training camp.

“Orlando competed and played very well, particularly those last three quarters,” Spoelstra said. “But these last 20 days have been very productive for our basketball team.”

Spoelstra said improving defensive chemistry remains a priority. He also emphasized that Miami’s depth will influence its rotations throughout the season.

“Our depth is a big strength of ours, and we will be maximizing our depth throughout the course of the season,” he said.

What’s Next for the Orlando Magic?

The Magic open the regular season against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Kia Center.

Orlando enters the opener looking to build on its offensive execution while improving transition defense, containing dribble penetration and monitoring the three players awaiting re-evaluation.

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Staff: Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com | Harry Castiblanco, Photographer

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

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New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com