Quick Shots: Florida

Angel Rodriguez put the 'Canes on his back, and willed them to a win over #8 Florida(Photo Credit: University of Miami)

Written By: Nathan Skinner
                 Canes Rising Contributor


Yes, Florida didn't have some of their best players, but it doesn't matter now.  The 'Canes overcame a fifteen point second half deficit and defeated the eighth ranked Florida Gators in the O'Connell Center, 69-67.  Miami snaps Florida's 33 game home winning streak, and clinched their first win over a ranked opponent this season.

Quick Shots

1. Angel Rodriguez--Rodriguez went into "McClinton" mode tonight, scoring at will in the second half.  The transfer from Kansas State started the game slowly, only having 4 points at the half, but a pull-up jumper started one of the best halves in recent memory.  Rodriguez scored 24 points on the night, along with 3 assists, and 3 steals.  The biggest play for Rodriguez was when he drew a crucial charge with time running out, giving Miami a chance to shut the door. Last season, fans were told that Rodriguez was the best player on the team due to his outstanding play at  practice.  It's obvious that those observations were spot on. 

2. Will Anyone Rebound?--Miami was facing a Florida team that lacked significant size, and rebounding was still an issue.  Tonye Jekiri looked better than he did against Howard, but he still didn't dominate the glass like he should have.  Joe Thomas was a non-factor, and Omar Sherman is a scorer who is struggling with his conditioning.  While the 'Canes won the rebounding battle tonight, it was a struggle and there were plenty of mental lapses. 

3. Sheldon McClellan--After the Howard game, I wrote that McClellan will be a star. I'm standing by that statement, but his jumper has to improve if he is to reach his potential.  McClellan is one dimensional right now, and one dimensional players can't score against elite teams. 

4. Runnin' Canes--The 'Canes  came alive after creating baskets in transition.  The play that really started the comeback was a Rodriguez three in transition, following a steal.  The 'Canes can rotate guards at will, so expect a ton of uptempo basketball.  That's the only way that Miami will be able to compete with bigger teams, it's to overwhelm them with waves of pesky guards.