Quick Shots: Richmond (NIT Edition)

Feel free to smile Coach, you're heading to MSG! (Photo Credit: HurricaneSports.com)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                 Canes Rising Contributor


Start spreading the news, the 'Canes are heading to New York City, and the mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden. In a thrilling comeback, Miami overcame a hostile crowd, shoddy officiating, and an eighteen point deficit to defeat the Richmond Spiders 63-61. For the first time in program history, the 'Canes will play in the NIT Semifinals.  This is a big step forward for the program, and while it isn't as sweet as winning the ACC, or playing in the Sweet 16, it's a significant accomplishment. 


Quick Shots

Joe Thomas on the J.O.B--This game was dead in the water, the 'Canes looked awful and were getting blown out.  Miami needed someone to spark a comeback, and that spark came from a player that hadn't seen significant playing time in three months.  Joe Thomas was a manchild on the glass, grabbing six rebounds.  He wasn't a slouch on the offensive end, scoring six points in his eleven minutes.  Richmond is one of the worst rebounding teams in the country, and Thomas exploited that.  His experience, and toughness got the ball rolling for the 'Canes. 

Wild Thing--That should be Ja'Quan Newton's nickname, for the freshman point guard is unpredictable.  He's a player who can be a contributor, or a liability, tonight he was the former, scoring eleven points and snagging five rebounds coming off of the bench. Richmond didn't have a player who could stay in front of Newton, and he attacked the rim at will in the second half.  While his free throw shooting and decision making could stand to improve, the future is bright for Newton.  Jim Larranaga has a player here, a player that may end up being one of the better point guards in program history. 

Gritty 'Canes--This comeback didn't happen because Miami was able to get hot from the perimeter, it was a comeback that took forever to develop.  The 'Canes had to chop away at Richmond's lead bucket by bucket, which meant that Miami had to stop the Spiders.  That's exactly what they did, Richmond couldn't buy a bucket for much of the second half. In fact, the Spiders only had four field goals in the final twelve minutes.  Jim Larranaga's team also did a great job of grinding from the free throw line, connecting on 82.1% of their free throws.  Miami fought for this win, and earned their trip to MSG.

Salute the General--Sheldon McClellan rebounded from an awful performance against Alabama, and led this team when everything seemed lost.  While McClellan wasn't spectacular, he was there when he needed to be.  McClellan scored sixteen points, but his five point spurt late in the game put Miami in position to win.  Sheldon first connected on a deep three to tie the game, then came back and made a jumper in the lane to put Miami ahead.  The 'Canes would never trail again.  McClellan is the best player on this team, and when he realizes that he can score on anyone at any time, this team will be extremely dangerous.