A Road Win:Canes Beat UVA

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Virginia's record and RPI number entering tonight's game at John Paul Jones Arena indicated that the Cavs were among the weakest teams in the ACC. But try telling Virginia Tech and Clemson that, both upset victims at JPJA in the past ten days.

Miami played poorly for much of the game: turnovers, and a completely out of sorts Dwayne Collins kept the Cavs in the game. But late in the game Jimmy Graham, Miami's most dynamic post defender made a number of strong defensive plays as well as set two critical screens to free up jump shooters.

The Canes survived 62-55 and keep realistic hopes of an NCAA bid alive.

Thoughts:

• Jack McClinton's ball handling continues to be a sore spot and his tendency to force shots when things aren't falling can be a problem. But if he is able to get a clean look off a screen, he generally hits the shot.
• Brian Asbury's intensity has really picked up as the season has worn on. Asbury had solid games in the close losses to Duke and North Carolina. He also has picked up his defense, as the matchup zone allows him to play a critical role.
  
• Lance Hurdle is getting back to the level he demonstrated last season. While his free throw shooting isn't all the way back, his defense has improved and his decision making, so suspect for much of the year seems to have recovered.
  
• Dwayne Collins and Coach Haith need to have a very frank talk about the big man's lack of hustle and initiative the last several games. Collins last gave a meaningful contribution against NC State almost a month ago.
• Virginia Tech's win over Clemson yesterday hurt Miami, but the most critical game for the Canes will come this Sunday when NC State hosts Maryland. A Wolfpack win will make it very tough for Maryland to steal Miami's bid if the Canes win out.
  
• Miami has two games remaining: at Georgia Tech which should be a victory, but still is an ACC road game and a tough home finale against an NC State team that like Miami has lost a lot of close games all season, and beat Miami in OT last month.