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| Sheldon McClellan(10) puts one up against BC (Photo Credit: Caneswarning.com) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
It was closer that it should have been, but Miami's tournament hopes are still alive. Boston College had only won one ACC conference game before Monday, they didn't look the part, battling Miami through two overtimes at the Conte Forum. Miami's 89-86 victory was crucial, but this team is still on the outside looking in.
Quick Shots
Salute The General--Sheldon McClellan had another big game, scoring an efficient 24 points. Mac did what he's done all season, and that's score on open jumpers and slashing to the basket. He started the game on fire, scoring Miami's first seven points, and he didn't let up. Brad Daugherty said it best "Good things happen when McClellan has the ball". The 'Canes have a scorer, the key is finding a way to get Sheldon enough touches.
Unlikely Heroes--We all know that Davon Reed, Sheldon McClellan and Tonye Jekiri are players that can be depended on game in and game out. On Monday, those guys finally had some help, and that help came from some unexpected places. Deandre Burnett has been a total zero over the last month, renting a room in Jim Larranaga's doghouse. Against BC, 'Dre finally saw the floor, and gave the 'Canes the spark they desperately needed. Burnett played well, scoring ten points, including a crucial three at the end of regulation. Miami was down four with under thirty seconds to play, when Deandre took the inbound pass and made a mad dash for the basket, scoring a layup, and drawing a foul. That was the play that really turned the tide for the 'Canes, as the game looked to be over before Burnett's inspired play. Miami could use a scorer off the bench, and Burnett should be that guy if he can buy into what Jim Larranaga is selling him.
Shooting Stars--In a game this close, every shot counts, and connecting on a high percentage is the difference between victory and defeat. The 'Canes shot a high percentage from deep(45.8%) and from the charity stripe (81%). Those are impressive numbers, especially away from the friendly confines of the BankUnited Center. The 'Canes didn't jack up bad shots, and got the job done from the line. This team stepped up when it had to, in a game they desperately needed, and found a way to get the job done.
Struggle Watch 2015--The light may have come on for Angel Rodriguez. While his stat sheet was mediocre, his play wasn't. He ran the offense, and let Sheldon McClellan dominate the ball. He was a pesky defender, forcing Olivier Hanlan into some awful shots. . Hanlan did most of his damage on Manu Lecomte, a player that is smaller, and weaker than Rodriguez. Angel fouled out late in regulation, but he had done his job. Miami has more than enough shooters and scorers, to where Angel doesn't have to press. Eventually, he will snap out of this funk, until then, he should continue to be the best role player he can possibly be. He doesn't have to carry this team, he can concentrate on being what the team needs: a distributor and facilitator.
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