Complete Effort Paces Canes Win

By Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

A complete effort for the Hurricanes paced by Jack McClinton's 25, sees Miami through to the second round of the NIT. The Canes dominated inside with Dwayne Collins and Jimmy Graham controlling the paint. The Canes out rebounded the Friars, 43-32 and won the game 78-66.

The team showed an intensity and passion for the game they quite frankly lacked late in the regular season. Crashing the boards and moving well of the ball, the Canes perhaps will leave 2008-09 with some pleasant memories after all.

Miami will now face Florida in Gainesville, likely on Friday with no TV. Such is life in the NIT, quick turnaround road trips and often no television. Florida crushed Jacksonville tonight but last won two straight games a month and a half ago. But the Gators have only lost five times at home in the last four seasons.

However, Miami did beat Florida in Gainesville the last time the Canes traveled to the O Dome in December 2004, by a 72-65 score. Anthony Harris led the Canes that night with 23 points, and it was Frank Haith's first road win as Miami's coach.