JT Thomson (Follow on Twitter)
Vishnu Parasuraman (Follow on Twitter)
The Canes finally got back to their winning ways, winning in Tallahassee midweek. It was great all around defensive performance for the Canes, as they took care of FSU by using the twin towers of Tonye Jekiri and Donnavan Kirk to protect the rim and provide a surprising offensive boost. The duo went 11-13 and scored 31 points. Miami missed just enough FTs to keep things interesting, but made enough to close out a 77-73 victory.
Things did not go nearly as well on Saturday, as Miami traveled to Blacksburg and lost to Virginia Tech, handing Virginia Tech their 2nd victory of the year in conference, the other of course coming in Coral Gables to open ACC play. The loss puts a serious dent in Miami’s chances of making any postseason tournament. The Hokies had lost 12 of 13. Miami finally just played a poor game, and never got the offense going at all. They shot 25% from the field and 20% from 3. Rion Brown and Garrius Adams lead the Canes with 13 and 12 points, respectively, but shot a combined 8 for 28. Kirk and Jekiri followed up their strong game where they combined for 31 points with a game where they combined for 1 point.
Miami has a pair of home games this week against teams near them in the standings, and will look for their first ACC home win.
Notre Dame
Wednesday, 9:00 PM, ESPN3
Older Canes fans will remember classic battles between Miami and Notre Dame in the Canes’ Big East days. Both teams are struggling through a tough season, but this game will still have some pop to it. Notre Dame seems to play every game close, as do the Canes, so expect a nailbiter. The Irish have also played good against good teams, having defeated Duke and taken Ohio State to the wire. And, Notre Dame is 3-0 in overtime, so if it gets there, don’t bother watching.
If the Canes are going to keep the Irish’ scoring down, they will have to stop Jerian Grant, who averages 19 PPG, shooting over 50%, and over 40% from 3. They will also need to watch out for Eric Atkins and Pat Connaughton from distance.
If Miami can corral Grant, they should be able to keep the score down. and win this game, but if Grant goes off, Miami just does not have enough offense to keep pace.
JT’s Take: Quite simply, last week confirmed what we’ve known all year. The Canes will come to play every single night, but when the shots are not falling, it’s going to be a long night. Bad days at the office happen for everyone, and that’s exactly what happened for Miami against Virginia Tech. Notre Dame is not much better than Virginia Tech, but they’re probably a little bit better than Miami. Throw in the fact that Miami still struggles at home, I’m going with some superstition and taking Notre Dame.
JT’s Pick: Notre Dame by 3.
Vishnu’s Take: This is a bit of a fun game, since there is an actual rivalry here. This particular version of the rivalry will be for pride and bragging rights only. I think the home crowd plays a big role here, given that both teams are evenly matched. The Canes should win a close game.
Vishnu’s Pick: Miami by 4.
Boston College
Saturday, 12:00 PM, ESPN3
Miami concludes the week by hosting Boston College. The Eagles are down in the bottom of the standings with the Canes (and Irish, for that matter). The Eagles have 2 conference wins as of this writing, both against Virginia Tech.
The Eagles have 2 players averaging in double figures, lead by sophomore Olivier Hanlan. Hanlan was one of the surprise Freshman last year in the ACC, and has followed it up with a solid sophomore campaign. The only other player in double figures is Ryan Anderson.
This is another game where the Canes should be able to control pace, keep the score down, and fight it to the end. The way the ball has bounced this year, don’t expect much.
Prediction
JT’s Take: BC relies on one player, who is rather good, but similar to NC State, we know that one player can be good enough to beat Miami. I would like to think Miami is capable of getting a sweep this week, but until we get off this home losing streak, I’m going against us in the prediction column.
JT’s Pick: BC by 4.
Vishnu’s Take: BC can’t seem to beat anyone that isn’t Virginia Tech. Miami can’t beat Virginia Tech. What does it all mean? The same as every game for Miami, close, down to the wire, and we will see if they can make enough plays. There is no way this team is consistent enough to string together a winning streak, so flip a coin on both games this week, and they will probably win one of them and lose the other.
Vishnu’s Pick: BC by 5
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