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| Deandre Burnett(1) attempts a layup(Photo Credit: Getty Images) |
Canes Rising Contributor
It wasn't pretty, it wasn't fun to watch, but when you're on the bubble survival is the only thing that matters. Miami defeated Virginia Tech 59-49, setting up a crucial quarterfinal game against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. If the 'Canes beat the Irish, it's highly likely that Miami will be on the right side of the bubble. If not, the 'Canes may be one of the first four teams left out of the field.
Quick Shots
Sloppy 'Canes--This didn't look like a team that understood the gravity of the situation they were in. This team is playing for a berth in the tournament, and they came out looking disinterested. Virginia Tech only won two ACC games in the regular season, but that wasn't due to a lack of effort. Buzz Williams is a good coach, and his teams always play hard, and it's on the opposition to match that intensity. The 'Canes didn't match, and struggled to stay ahead of the pesky, determined Hokies. The lack of effort was evident on the defensive end, as Miami allowed a team that doesn't score to get some outstanding looks, looks that only a lazy team would allow. Christian Beyer isn't a big player, nor is he overly talented, but that that didn't stop him from taking advantage of Miami's lousy defensive effort, scoring nine points in his final game. Notre Dame's bigs are eons better than Beyer, and will score in bunches if Miami chooses not to defend the paint.
Can't Buy a Bucket--Miami was unable to match Saturday's outstanding performance, shooting 35.7% from deep. That's a drastic drop from the 60% the 'Canes shot on Saturday in Blacksburg. It wasn't much better on the interior, as the 'Canes struggled to finish at the rim. The Hokies weren't able to challenge most shots due to their lack of interior size, this was a case of Miami blowing layups. This is a very troubling sign, and proof that the 'Canes weren't focused on the job at hand. Virginia Tech needed some help in order to make this game competitive, and Miami's inability to score was all the help the Hokies needed.
Offensive Offense--There are pickup games at the Wellness Center that are more entertaining than the game Miami participated in Wednesday night. Why was this game so incredibly boring? It was boring because the 'Canes were dreadful offensively. This wasn't the team that dominated the Hokies in two previous meetings. Defeating a team three times in a season is tough, but this wasn't a case of the Hokies playing outstanding defense, this was a case of Miami not executing. It didn't matter who was manning the point, the 'Canes were an isolation team, ball movement was a theoretical concept. Angel Rodriguez, in his first game action since the win over FSU was the best option for the 'Canes tonight, Ja'Quan Newton and Manu Lecomte both struggled mightily. If this is the level of effort we're going to see, Blake James might as well order the NIT banner now, because Notre Dame will feast on a one dimensional team. The 'Canes are at their best when the ball is moving around, and players are getting free via screens and quick cuts to the basket. Miami isn't as good when they are playing isolation basketball, and relying on one player to create off of the dribble.
Follow The General--Sheldon McClellan once again led the 'Canes scoring a game high sixteen points. Whenever Miami needs a big shot, Sheldon is there to deliver, such as his crucial three late in the second half. That shot stopped Tech's momentum, and allowed Miami to put together a mini-run that, in essence put the game out of reach. McClellan also did well on the defensive end, swatting a big block late in the first half. It's mind boggling that Sheldon was named All-ACC Honorable Mention, he has better stats than some of the other shooting guards listed ahead of him. He continues to be the most consistent player on the roster, and as he goes, so will the 'Canes.
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