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| Davon Reed goes up for a layup(Photo Credit: Associated Press) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
The 'Canes stay at the basketball mecca will last for one more game. The 'Canes were forced to play most of the game without Tonye Jekiri,who suffered a concussion late in the first half, but found a way to win, defeating the Temple Owls 60-57. Jim Larranaga's team will play for the NIT Championship Thursday, against the victor of the Stanford/Old Dominion game, This was a tough win, a satisfying win, a win that puts the 'Canes in position to finish the season as champions.
Quick Shots
Salute The General--Sheldon McClellan was the best player on the floor Tuesday night, out dueling Temple's Will Cummings. McClellan was scintillating, scoring sixteen points and grabbing eleven rebounds. He was at his best late in the game, as he not only put the 'Canes ahead, but was a stalwart on the defensive end. The 'Canes needed someone to step up for the injured Tonye Jekiri, and Sheldon got the job done. He used his length and athleticism to rebound, clog passing lanes, and to give Miami a chance to advance.
Scrappin' 'Canes--Temple is a tough, defensive minded team that forces opposing teams to match their intensity. Miami did so, and beat Temple at their own game. The 'Canes fought the Owls at every opportunity, and played good defense throughout. Temple may not be the best shooting team in the country, but to shoot 10.5% from deep shows that the 'Canes forced the Owls to take bad shots. Even without Jekiri, the 'Canes won on the boards 45-41, and kept the Owls off of the boards when it mattered most. Late in the game, Temple was held to multiple one and done offensive possessions, that's what good teams do. Temple shot 30.2% from the field, and looked over-matched at times against Miami. Where was this defensive intensity earlier in the season?
Team Basketball--The best teams are usually deep, with the bench contributing more than mere minutes and fouls. Miami's bench has been inconsistent all season, which has led to Miami being unable to find rest for key starters. The bench didn't start tonight's game well, allowing Temple to go on an early run. They recovered, and helped lead the 'Canes to a crucial win. The best bench contributor was Deandre Burnett, who ran the point well in the second half, and scored a big basket late in the second half. Burnett scored eight points, and most importantly only committed ONE turnover. He wasn't the only reserve who stepped into the fray, as Ja'Quan Newton contributed nine points, and Omar Sherman added six more. The play of the day went to James Palmer, who put down a monstrous dunk in the second half following a beautiful drive to the basket. Miami's depth was a key factor, and should be a strength going forward.
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