Vishnu Parasuraman (aka 2003alumgocanes) Follow on Twitter and Facebook
JT Thompson (aka CaneGrad05) Follow on Twitter
Buoyed by the return of senior leader Durand Scott, the ‘Canes ended an 8 day layoff with a huge win over a highly regarded Detroit team. Miami looked like a different team than that which had slogged their way through several lackluster performances, including a loss against Florida Gulf Coast. And they hit their stride just in time with 2 very challenging games this week.
The ‘Canes moved to 3-1 overall in the critical resume building out of conference slate. With an expanded ACC schedule, the ‘Canes are rapidly reaching the end of the non-conference portion of the season. With a trip to Hawaii on the horizon, this week could be the week the ‘Canes damage or build their NCAA credentials.
Wednesday, Michigan State
7:30 PM, ESPN
As part of the ACC-B1G Challenge, the ‘Canes drew a home game against Michigan State. The ‘Canes are 1-4 in ACC-B1G games, and this will be a particularly tough opponent.
Michigan State opened the season with a tough, neutral site loss to Connecticut, but followed that up with 5 consecutive wins, including a victory over 12th ranked Kansas. Michigan State is ranked 13th in the AP Poll and 14th in the Coaches Poll.
The Spartans play 9 players double-digit minutes, with 5 getting more than 25 minutes per game. Of particular note is that the Spartans will rotate 2 legitimate centers, Adreian Payne and stater Derrick Nix.
From 3 point land, Michigan State has struggled, shooting only 27%. The one exception has been junior guard Keith Appling, Michigan State’s leading scorer at over 16 points per game. He is shooting 50% from 3. The key for the ‘Canes will be to start with locking him down, and then cleaning up the boards. If they do that, they will have a shot at this game. If not, the ‘Canes will likely not be able to pull off the upset.
Predictions
JT’s Take
Not quite sure how the Canes drew the reigning Big 10 regular season and conference tournament champions, but alas, the Spartans will undoubtedly be the best team the Canes face in the non-conference. While Detroit should be a tournament team, there is no doubt that Michigan State will return barring massive injuries. That being said, the Spartans have not played their best basketball the last week, so maybe, just maybe they will come into this one still flat. Meanwhile, the Canes finally had a fire lit under their collective rears last week which will need to carry over. I think we play well, but these are the types of games we’ve just failed to win in the past.
Michigan State by 8
Vishnu’s Take
This ‘Canes team has been an absolute enigma this year. After several lackluster performances, the ‘Canes team we expected showed up against Detroit. Not unsurprising given that Durand Scott finally was able to play. Michigan State presents a far greater challenge than anything the ‘Canes have faced this year. A FGCU type performance will result in a thrashing. With a home game on national TV, I don’t expect that. This is also Michigan State’s first true road game (they played a couple of neutral site games), so perhaps that plays in the ‘Canes favor. I will go with the ‘Canes winning in an upset to kick start their campaign.
Miami by 1
Saturday, @Massachusetts
2:00 PM, CBS Sports Network
With the week’s showcase game out of the way, the ‘Canes then head up to Amherst to play an extremely challenging team in Massachusetts. Coming into the year, UMASS was supposed to contend for an at-large birth to the NCAA tournament. Instead, they have absolutely struggled. After barely surviving home games against Harvard and Villanova by a combined 5 points, the Minutemen were destroyed at home by a combined 32 points in games against North Carolina State and Tennessee. They will travel midweek to Sienna before hosting the ‘Canes on Saturday.
The Minutemen rely on a heavy dose of 3-point shooting, especially from leading scorer Jesse Morgan, who has attempted an insane 35 3-pointers in only 4 games, shooting 40% from 3. The key for Miami will be to close out on those shooters. If they do that and rebound, they should win. UMASS attempts over 22 3 pointers a game.
Predictions
JT’s Take
Whatever happens against MSU, it needs to be quickly forgotten before stepping on the court against UMass. While UMass has been blown out by the two “stronger” teams on the schedule, the Canes can’t afford to overlook a team that will be trying to build its own tournament profile. I expect we’ll come out a little flat, but I expect the Canes frontcourt to eventually take control of this game and get the win.
Miami by 7
Vishnu’s Take
UMASS is dangerous in that they were supposed to be good, but have underachieved. On the other hand, perhaps they are just overrated, given the way they have played poorly over 4 games. This is a team that could easily be winless. The concern is with this game is poor timing. After the huge game against Michigan State, UMASS will certainly be a letdown. Also, the last time the ‘Canes traveled, they were blown out by FGCU. Still, I think that this is a noticeably different team with Durand Scott, and look for them to win this by double-digits.
Miami by 15
Sebastian's Pub 