Gameday: Miami @ St John's

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami makes its first return trip to Madison Square Garden since leaving the Big East today on national television (ESPN U). Miami is 9-13 all time at MSG against both St John's and in Big East tournament games.

Miami's poor free throw shooting and lack of defensive intensity were addressed this week in what have been reported to be intense practice sessions led by Head Coach Frank Haith. Coach Haith was so annoyed with Miami's lackluster performance against Clemson last Sunday night that he kept the team in the locker room for nearly a half hour before addressing the media.

For Miami to be successful James Dews and Dwayne Collins must both regain their form from last season. I'm sorry to say this, but with both players the issue seems to be lack of effort defensively and poor shot selection offensively. Last season Dews would also hit slumps shooting but would always seem to use his defense to pick up his overall game. This season when Dews goes into a slump he becomes a defensive liability.

Gametime is noon, and we'll have postgame thoughts here.