"Must" Win????

We aren't 20 games into the 2009-2010 season, and already we are talking about "must" win games. For the Miami Hurricanes, tonight's game against the Virginia Cavaliers might merit such a description. The 'Canes, coming off of a pathetic showing against the Virginia Tech Hokies are still searching for a resume win that will stand up in March. Even though a 15-2 record is nothing to be ashamed of, it comes as no shock that the record was due mostly to a soft non-conference schedule. With opponents such as Bethune-Cookman, Stetson, and Nova Southeastern on the OOC slate, it is imperative that the 'Canes do well in ACC play. Following an emotional win over Wake Forest, it could have been assumed that the team may have turned the corner, and were well on their way to getting the 9-10 wins needed to assure a trip to the Big Dance. However, that was all shattered when the Canes lost by 15 to a Virginia Tech team that has had a schedule that is softer than Charmin. Now, with a loss to UVa, the Canes would be 1-3 entering a home date with the historically tough Boston College Eagles, and a trip to College Park, Maryland looming.

So, obviously, this is as close to a "must" win situation one can get, unless one thinks this team would be capable of stealing a game against Duke or North Carolina.


Miami Vs. Virginia

Time: 8:00 PM
Place: John Paul Jones Arena
TV/Radio: ESPNU/WQAM 560

About UVa*: UVa is coming off of a upset win over #20 Georgia Tech, 82-75, and is the only team in the ACC to be undefeated in league play, with a 2-0 mark. Virginia, by virtue of a 6 game winning streak is on their longest winning streak since 2006. Sylven Landesberg, a sophomore from Flushing, New York is the Hoos leading scorer, averaging over 17 a game. The Cavs are also taking care of the basketball, only averaging 10 turnovers a game.

About Miami*: The Canes are coming off of a 15 point loss to Virginia Tech. Currently the Canes are 1-2 in conference play, with a home win over Wake Forest, and road losses to Virginia Tech, and Boston College. Dwayne Collins, who had only 9 points in the loss to the Hokies, scored over 20 in the win against Wake Forest. Frosh sensation Durand Scott is averaging over 4 assists a game, which leads all ACC freshmen in that category. Miami is 6-3 all time against Virginia, and is 3-2 in Charlottesville.

* Statistics and notes are courtesy of the Atlantic Coast Conference(TheACC.com)