Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
Opponent: University of Louisville
Location: BankUnited Center(Capacity: 7,942)
Time: 8PM ET
TV/Radio: RSN(Raycom)/WVUM(90.5 FM)
Who's The Best?
Louisville's Best Scorer-- Terry Rozier(18.1 PPG)
Louisville's Best Rebounder-- Montrezl Harrell(8.9 RPG)
Louisville's Best Distributor-- Chris Jones(3.9 APG)
Louisville's Best Perimeter Shooter--Terry Rozier(36.4%)
Louisville's Best Free Throw Shooter--Terry Rozier(76%)
Who to Watch For
This is the home game that every 'Canes season ticket holder circled on the calendar, and it will not disappoint. The Cardinals are a team that will arrive in Coral Gables in high spirits, following their comebackwin over North Carolina. Rick Pitino's squad isn't overpowering, but they do a lot of things very well, and are capable of being a major factor in the NCAA Tournament. Montrezl Harrell is an explosive 6'8'' forward who is averaging fifteen points, and nine rebounds per game. Harrell is a dynamic player who is dominant force in the paint, and is a good shot blocker on the defensive end. He may not have overwhelming size, but his athleticism makes him a potential matchup nightmare. While Harrell is the best overall player, he isn't the best scorer on the roster, that honor belongs to Terry Rozier. The sophomore guard leads the Cardinals in scoring and in three point shooting percentage. Rozier is a classic slasher, who uses speed, and a good handle to get to the rim. North Carolina found out the hard way about Rozier, as he riddled them for 22 points. Chris Jones joins Rozier in the backcourt, and he's very capable, averaging over thirteen points per game. Jones is a senior leader who was one of the best scorers at the junior college level before he arrived at Louisville. While he isn't expected to be a dominant scorer, he can explode at any time as evidenced by his scintillating twenty eight point performance against Boston College.
Keys To Victory
1. Defeat Harrell--Montrezl Harrell is a fine player who will create matchup difficulties. He is extremely similar to Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas a player who was able to score 23 points on the 'Canes. Tonye Jekiri has to be able to defend Harrell one on one, and he has to do it without fouling, as the 'Canes can't afford to go long stretches with Jekiri on the bench. If the 'Canes can find a way to limit the explosive Harrell, students may get their first chance to storm the court this season.
2. Saved by an Angel(Rodriguez)--The 'Canes need Angel to snap out of this slump, for there's no possible way Miami can emerge victorious without the enigmatic guard. Rodriguez has been flat awful since the win in Cameron Indoor, connecting on under 30% of his attempts since. Louisville will rely on a ton of man defense, which means that Angel should be able to get to the rim, and create for others, especially Tonye Jekiri. Getting to the free throw line should be a high priority for Rodriguez, that is the easiest way for a struggling shooter to get back on track. Even if his offensive game isn't back by Tuesday, he has to be a better decision maker, and a willing defender. Terry Rozier will score at will, if Angel doesn't challenge him. If Rodriguez continues to struggle, Jim Larranaga has to go to a combination of Ja'Quan Newton, Manu Lecomte, and Deandre Burnett. Between those three players, one should emerge as the hot hand.
3. Energy, Energy, Energy--Miami didn't lose to Georgia Tech because the Yellow Jackets are a better team, the 'Canes lost because they were lifeless. Miami couldn't overcome a sluggish start, which allowed Georgia Tech to build a significant lead. In his postgame comments, Jim Larranaga pointed out that a lack of fans was to blame for the lack of energy in the building, something that won't be an issue Tuesday. The BUC will be packed, with Louisville backers being a significant part of the crowd, so look for an electric atmosphere. The 'Canes have to come out, and give those fans who show up a reason to get rowdy, with an early run. This fanbase will support a winner, but that winner has to be winning early.
4. Shoot To Kill--Miami depends on the three ball, there's no doubt about that. For Miami to beat Louisville, those shots have to find their way to the bottom of the net. Taking good shots is also an important concept, for it's likely that Louisville's size advantage will lead to them having a significant advantage on the boards. Players like Davon Reed, Manu Lecomte, and Omar Sherman will have open shots from deep, it's imperative that they shoot a high percentage. If Miami can ride a wave of threes to a big lead, that may be the difference as an upset like this usually plays out with the underdog racing out to a big lead, and then holding on as the favorite makes a charge.
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