Staying Alive

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

Miami had to beat Boston College today to keep any realistic hope of an NCAA bid alive. Despite the noise about the Canes being made by ESPN's biased, pro-ACC commentators, teams that lose regularly at home in league play should not be considered for the NCAA Tournament. Miami has already lost four home games this season, albeit three of them in very close games.

James Dews has turned his season around with some good shooting and has become a good ball handler as well. Jack McClinton continues to shine even when his team mates are struggling.

Miami was hitting its shots early in this game but despite the win, many of the same problems that the Canes have demonstrated lately were apparent today. Poor free throw shooting, sloppy turnovers and allowing second chance points have killed Miami lately.

The one really encouraging thing about this game: Miami shut down Tyrese Rice for the second time this year, and swept Boston College. BC is one of only two teams in the nation that have beaten both North Carolina and Duke this season. The Canes won by 11 and stay alive in the race for an NCAA bid.

The Canes now play at red hot Virginia on Thursday. Should the Canes win that game we can begin talking NCAA Tournament again. UVA has a young team that has lost a lot of game this season but is coming of age late in the year. I don't expect a Miami win in Charlottesville, but if the Canes do win that game, finishing 8-8 in the ACC is likely. That would be good enough in all likelyhood to make the big dance for the second straight year.