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| Manu Lecomte(Photo Credit: University of Miami) |
Canes Rising Contributor
Miami has struggled to beat inferior teams this season, a major reason why the 'Canes are on the bubble. That wasn't a concern Saturday, as the 'Canes crushed the Hokies of Virginia Tech, 82-61. The game was never in doubt as Miami totally dominated Buzz Williams' Hokies. The 'Canes are still on the bubble, but are now in position to clinch an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament with a couple of wins at the ACC Tournament in Greensboro.
Quick Shots
Cruzing--Ivan Cruz-Uceda had his best game of the season on Saturday, scoring a career high eighteen points and knocking in three perimeter bombs. It was an efficient performance as Cruz-Uceda scored on the perimeter and in the paint, most of his attempts were lightly contested. He's a liability on the defensive end, but showed some skill on the offensive end. Uceda is a skilled player who gives Jim Larranaga a stretch four who can occasionally make something happen in the post. This was his best game as a 'Cane, and while it was against a bad Virginia Tech team, it gives fans a glimpse of what Uceda can be, provided he continues to develop.
Shooting Stars--The 'Canes put on a show from the perimeter, shooting an impressive 60% from beyond the arc. Most of the shots were open, a tribute to outstanding ball movement, and a firm understanding of offensive concepts. Where has this been all season? It was beautiful to watch, especially in the first half as the 'Canes poured in shots from everywhere. Five 'Canes had a made three pointer, including Manu Lecomte and James Palmer, who shared the team lead with five made threes. This was one of the best shooting performances in school history
Blazin' Manu--Manu couldn't miss against Virginia Tech, going 5/7 from deep, and scoring a team high twenty points. Lecomte has been inconsistent this season, struggling against large, physical guards due to his lack of size and inability to play through contact. Virginia Tech doesn't have the players to challenge Lecomte, and it showed, as he was able to get the shots he wanted all afternoon. Manu was able to get to rim once the Hokies started forcing the action, and finished with a couple of impressive layups. It's been a rough season for Manu, but he stuck with it and is finally looking like the player who carried the 'Canes at the end of last season.
Stayin' Alive--Miami had to beat Virginia Tech, and Pitt in order to have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament, that mission was accomplished. This team may be coming together at the right time, especially when you notice how well this team has played since Angel Rodriguez's injury. The offense looks totally different, ball rotation isn't a theoretical concept and open shots are easier to come by. While the lack of offensive efficiency wasn't solely Angel's fault, it's odd to see a team raise their level of play without the services of their unquestioned leader. Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald reports that Angel may be able to play in the ACC Tournament, and if true Jim Larranaga will have a tough decision to make.
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