Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
Opponent: University of Notre Dame
Location: Purcell Pavilion (Capacity: 9,149)
Time: 2PM(Eastern Time)
TV/Radio: ESPN2/WVUM(90.5 FM)
Game Notes
Notre Dame's Best Scorer--Jerian Grant(16.6 PPG)
Notre Dame's Best Rebounder--Pat Connaughton(8.2 RPG)
Notre Dame's Best Passer--Jerian Grant(6.3 APG)
Notre Dame's Best Perimeter Shooter--Pat Connaughton(45.7%)
What To Expect
It's amazing how different a team can be with the addition of one crucial piece. Last year, Mike Brey's team looked nothing like the team that consistently challenged for Big East titles as injuries and suspensions sunk the Irish. The main reason they weren't competitive was because Jerian Grant was unable to finish the season. The swingman guard missed most of the season due to an academic problem, and that was a loss too tough to overcome, as the Irish slid to the bottom of the ACC standings. Grant's back and he's one of the best players in the conference, averaging over sixteen points, and six assists per game. While Jerian was out, other players gained valuable experience, and stepped to the forefront. Pat Connaughton emerged during Grant's absence, proving to be a consistent scoring threat, a solid rebounder, and long range assassin. Zach Auguste is a nice compliment to Connaughton in the front court, but he struggles with consistency and is ineligible due to an academic matter.
Keys To Victory
1. Stop Jerian Grant--Grant is a player that is a challenge to defend. Grant, unlike other stars Miami will face this season, is far too athletic to consistently double. Miami will have to confuse Grant with a variety of defensive alignments. Davon Reed should get first crack at Grant, he is Miami's best perimeter defender.
2. Rebound, Rebound, Rebound--Under Mike Brey, the Irish have been very good on the glass. Most of that can be attributed to Brey's ability to develop physically dominant bigs, some can also be attributed to Brey's attitude. His teams are usually scrappy, tough teams that do all the small things well. It's rare that Notre Dame has overwhelming talent, so they make up for that by being extremely well schooled and physical. Miami has to match that toughness, and they have to do it on the glass.
3. Limit Good Looks--Notre Dame is ranked first in the country in field goal percentage, which is a testament to their outstanding passing skills, and ability to create high percentage opportunities. Miami can counter that by jumping passing lanes, and communicating. Mental lapses will end in made baskets more often than not, so maintaining focus is a must.
4. Take It To The Rack--Notre Dame, thanks to their lack of shot blockers, is ranked 174th in blocked shots. That should be an open invitation for Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan, two players who live to slash. Easy points are the name of the game and should be a frequent occurrence for the 'Canes.
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