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| It was a team effort as the 'Canes snapped a 2 game losing streak(Photo Credit: Fox Sports) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
Miami is getting back on track. Over the course of the last month, the 'Canes have been inconsistent, and unable to consistently connect from beyond the arc. Defeating the College of Charleston isn't a program defining win, but it is an important win. The 'Canes had to find a way to beat someone, anyone before entering ACC play. Work remains to be done, but this team is finally returning to tthe form that led to a top 25 ranking earlier in the season.
The Good
Davon Reed--If you are a stat sheet viewer, you're probably shocked to find Davon's name anywhere in this article. Reed's statistics on Tuesday weren't impressive, but he was the best all around player on Tuesday. Davon was active on the boards, a willing passer, and the best defender on the floor. If Miami is to survive conference play, Davon Reed has to be the versatile, skilled athlete he was last season.
Miami Defense--C of C isn't the best team the 'Canes will face this season, but they've shown an ability to make shots. The Cougars only connected on 29% of their field goals, and could only muster forty points the entire game. What made this defensive performance noteworthy was in the details. For the first time in weeks, players communicated, played their assignments, and forced low percentage shots. Miami lacks the depth of experienced talent to consistently win shootouts, so good defensive play is a must.
The Bad:
Manu Lecomte--The young guard has lost all confidence in his shot and is now starting to become ineffective in every facet. Lecomte is now shooting sixteen percent from beyond the arc over the last three games, and his defense is faltering . Miami needs Lecomte to snap out of this funk, because the 'Canes need someone to stretch the floor.
Team Rebounding--We all knew that Miami would struggle to rebound this season, due to a lack of size. That said, Miami shouldn't struggle to rebound against teams that aren't significantly larger. The 'Canes struggled to out rebound the Cougars, a team that lacks significant size, and athleticism. Miami has to adopt the philosophy of team rebounding, because it's unreasonable to expect Tonye Jekiri to dominate the glass with little help.
The Ugly
Free Throws--It was a brutal night from the charity stripe, as the 'Canes shot horribly. Free throw shooting is mostly mental and the 'Canes weren't focused at the line Tuesday night. Miami isn't good enough to consistently leave points on the floor, this has to be corrected immediately.
The Bad:
Manu Lecomte--The young guard has lost all confidence in his shot and is now starting to become ineffective in every facet. Lecomte is now shooting sixteen percent from beyond the arc over the last three games, and his defense is faltering . Miami needs Lecomte to snap out of this funk, because the 'Canes need someone to stretch the floor.
Team Rebounding--We all knew that Miami would struggle to rebound this season, due to a lack of size. That said, Miami shouldn't struggle to rebound against teams that aren't significantly larger. The 'Canes struggled to out rebound the Cougars, a team that lacks significant size, and athleticism. Miami has to adopt the philosophy of team rebounding, because it's unreasonable to expect Tonye Jekiri to dominate the glass with little help.
The Ugly
Free Throws--It was a brutal night from the charity stripe, as the 'Canes shot horribly. Free throw shooting is mostly mental and the 'Canes weren't focused at the line Tuesday night. Miami isn't good enough to consistently leave points on the floor, this has to be corrected immediately.
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