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| Omar Sherman(Photo Credit: University of Miami) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
This was a game that was ripe for the taking. Miami entered the game against Virginia a decided underdog, so expectations were low. Miami stormed back after falling behind early and had the third ranked Virginia Cavaliers on the ropes, ready to fall. The 'Canes couldn't throw the crucial punch, falling in double overtime, 89-80. While this is a tough loss to bear, this loss showed what this team can and should be from this point forward. If this team can build off of this performance, a solid conference record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament awaits.
The Good
Omar Sherman--Miami has been looking for a stretch power forward since the graduation of Kenny Kadji. It remains to be seen if Sherman can be the consistent star that Kadji was, but he is starting to emerge. Omar had his best performance as a 'Cane Saturday, scoring thirteen points, with most of his damage coming from deep. Sherman shot the ball with confidence and in rhythm, something that has been an issue for him at times this season. Omar also did a good job being a big body on the defensive end, against Virginia's talented bigs. Sherman made some freshman mistakes, he's still not a superstar, but the growth is there to be seen. Miami may have something special with this young man.
Angel Rodriguez--At times, Rodriguez looked like the best player on the floor, especially when his perimeter game was working. Angel was everywhere Saturday, scoring a team high twenty five points, and dishing out seven assists. Rodriguez took over the game in the second half, he was able to get to the rim at will, and that led to some easy baskets. Angel was able to finish at the rim on multiple occasions, thanks to his amazing body control while in the air. When he was fouled, and sent to the line, he made free throws including the crucial three that forced overtime. When Virginia started to hedge and double Angel in a desperate attempt to limit his effectiveness, he created opportunities for teammates. Tonye Jekiri was the primary beneficiary, as he was left open for a couple of key layups. While Rodriguez was outstanding, he did make a couple of mistakes, none bigger than his horrible time management late in the first overtime period. Angel has to know the time and situation, and play accordingly. A timeout wasn't going to happen, due to Virginia's defensive talent, and the fact that allowing the Cavaliers to set their defense would have lowered the probability of a successful possession. The fact that Miami didn't get a shot off, was unacceptable, and unfortunately that's on Angel. That said, Angel was a big reason why this team was in position to win, and as he goes, the team goes.
The Bad
Rebounding--Virginia is a long, athletic team who thrives on the glass. Miami doesn't have the size of the Cavaliers, but there's no excuse for what happened Saturday. The 'Canes failed to box out on free throws, leading the Cavaliers to gain additional possessions late in the game. When facing a superior team, little things matter, and not boxing out on free throws is a killer. That's not a talent problem, that's an effort and communication problem. Tonye Jekiri has to take an active role in explaining to the younger players, especially Omar Sherman the importance of boxing out, and marking free throw shooters in crucial situations.
Perimeter Defense--While the overall numbers may not show it, Virginia had an otherworldly shooting performance in the first half. A lot of that had to do with Miami being unable to successfully close out on Cavalier shooters. This game turned when the Cavaliers were able to build a huge lead in the first half. Virginia was able to build such a huge lead because of the many open shots given up by the Hurricanes. Miami expended a ton of energy merely getting back into the game, and may have lacked the energy needed to overcome that early start. Virginia wouldn't have been able to build such a commanding lead, had Miami not been so lackadaisical on the defensive end.
The Ugly
Free Throw Shooting--It's not so much that Miami missed free throws, it was when those missed free throws happened. Late in regulation, the 'Canes marched to the free throw line with a chance to not only tie, but to take command of the game, and couldn't get it done. Missing the front end of one and ones, in a close game is a recipe for disaster because of the wasted opportunities. Angel Rodriguez was the one bright spot from the charity stripe connecting on 10/12 free throws. This game turned on free throws, with Miami being unable to take control of the game late in regulation.
Fan Behavior--Raise your hand if you've heard this comment before: Miami has some of the worst fans in sports. Once again, fans found a way to take attention away from the action on the court, and put it squarely on themselves. Early in the 1st half, and again in the 2nd, a fan held up signs disparaging embattled football coach Al Golden, and asking for the return of former coach Butch Davis. Remember, this is a nationally televised game, with the third ranked team in the country on the ropes. Why didn't the fan just go over to the Miami bench and spit on the players and staff? It's not bad enough that Miami fans barely care about this program, a program that has been the best on campus the last couple of years, but they will do things like this in full view of the national media and potential recruits. These young student-athletes are good men, they work hard on the court and in the classroom, and shouldn't take a backseat to anyone right now. We're all disappointed about the performance of the football program, but to make the basketball program a sideshow is unacceptable.
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