History Made: Canes Win at Rupp

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

At halftime we discussed how Miami had to start getting the ball inside and could not rely on outside jumpers in the second half. The Canes were unable to settle down offensively and Kentucky was able to cut a 21 point lead to four before Miami sealed it late.

Free throw shooting, the decisive factor that put Miami in the NCAA Tournament a year ago was a disaster tonight, with the Canes missing two front ends of one and ones as well as three two shot fouls late. All of these misses were by perimeter players who shot over 85% from the line last season: Brian Asbury, James Dews, and Lance Hurdle.

Despite the horrible free throw shooting, Miami held on to win for the first time in program history against the top all time program: Kentucky. It has been claimed that under Bill Gillespie, beating Kentucky is simple: but the facts do not bear this out.

Last year UK finished 12-4 in the SEC and at Rupp defeated both two time defending national champion Florida and eventual SEC champion Tennessee. This season, Kentucky has already defeated both Kansas State and West Virginia, both of whom won games in last years NCAA Tournament.

This game is a resume builder for Miami. The Canes lost to Ohio State after Jack McClinton's ejection due to a lack of composure offensively and poor defending. Tonight, Miami made the same offensive mistakes, but stayed in a zone most of the 2nd half which made the difference defending Jodie Meeks who is an explosive guard.

Today Ohio State won at #7 Notre Dame. Any road win against a power conference team is important in December. Duke slipped up today in Ann Arbor against Michigan and chances are very good Florida will lose tomorrow night in Tallahassee against a much improved FSU team. But the Seminoles lost to Northwestern earlier this week in Evantson. Winning on the road is difficult especially at Rupp Arena which was sold out today and rocking for much of the 2nd half.

When the new rankings come out Monday, chances are Miami falls out of the top 25 to make way for Ohio State. But long term, a win at Rupp in December is a resume builder for the NCAAs and will no doubt help Miami's already strong RPI.

Mission accomplished for the Canes. Now the team can focus on finals and not slipping up next weekend against Robert Morris and FIU.