 |
| Omar Sherman(Photo Credit: Associated Press) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
Almost eight thousand fans packed the BankUnited Center hoping that the 'Canes could upset the favored North Carolina Tar Heels and emerge from the bubble of uncertainity. While Jim Larranaga's team put up a good fight, a lack of offensive punch ultimately doomed the 'Canes as they fell 73-64. The loss was disheartening, as the 'Canes matched up well with UNC, but had to compete without injured guard Angel Rodriguez. Miami now faces a crucial two game stretch, a loss in either game will knock them out of tournament contention.
Quick Shots
Wanted: Scorer--Miami was unable to score Saturday, not because they couldn't get good shots, but because Miami didn't have anyone who looked to score. Sheldon McClellan spent most of the game in foul trouble, and Davon Reed was ineffective, finishing the game with only two points. Jim Larranaga waited too long to go to Deandre Burnett, a player who provided a spark late. Burnett's flaws are numerous, but this was the kind of game that he thrives in. Carolina was unable to defend Miami's quick guards, and Deandre may be the quickest player on the roster. While it's rare that Jim Larranaga does something that merits criticism, he isn't infallible. Deandre Burnett not seeing significant playing time late, with the 'Canes struggling to score was a huge factor in Miami's defeat.
Interior Defense is Optional--That must have been the final instruction Jim Larranaga gave his team as they left the locker room, because there's no other way to explain Miami's awful interior defense. While Tonye Jekiri did an excellent job defending Kennedy Meeks, who was held to four points, the rest of the bigs didn't fare as well. Ivan Cruz-Uceda and Omar Sherman couldn't match Jekiri, and did an awful job on Brice Johnson. Johnson wasn't forced out of his comfort zone, in fact he was allowed to score at will from his favorite spots on the floor. He was comfortable and it showed as he scored an easy 22 points. It was a pathetic display of interior defense, especially in regards to protecting the back side on dribble penetration. Miami would stop and eventually trap the ball handler, but not account for the area around the basket, giving Johnson easy scoring opportunities.
Sloppy 'Canes--Miami isn't a team that turns the ball over often, that wasn't the case Saturday. The 'Canes were unable to control the basketball, committing thirteen turnovers, most of which were in live ball situations. North Carolina isn't a team that can function in a traditional half court game, it's imperative that they get some easy baskets. Miami gave an offensively limited team a chance to score, and that's unacceptable. Unforced errors and sloppy ballhandling will sink any team.
Boost From The Bench--Miami's bench stepped up Saturday, and gave the 'Canes a much needed offensive boost. The standouts were Ivan-Cruz Uceda and Jaquan Newton. Uceda connected on two deep jumpers in the second half, propelling the 'Canes to a short lived lead, while Newton was able to get to the rim at will, and contribute ten points. If the starters continue to struggle, the 'Canes will have to depend on the bench to provide the points the starters aren't.
Posts
