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| Davon Reed attempts to make a pass(Photo Credit: Getty Images) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner(@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
What a difference a week makes. Last Sunday, Miami was coming off of two impressive wins over likely NCAA Tournament teams, and looked like a team ready to make a run. This week, the 'Canes dropped two games to teams that will be fortunate to make the NIT field, and look like an extremely inconsistent team who play down to their level of competition. The latest loss, a disheartening 55-54 defeat to the Seminoles of Florida State, was beyond awful. To squander a double digit second half lead is unacceptable, and something that has the potential to wreck what was once a promising campaign.
Quick Shots
1. Runnin' 'Canes--Miami went on an impressive run in the first half, building a huge lead in the process. FSU couldn't hold onto the basketball, turning the ball over eleven times in the first half alone. The 'Canes were able to turn those turnovers into points. In the second half, the 'Canes weren't able to force turnovers, and when those points dried up, so did the 'Canes as they crumbled down the stretch.
2. Charity Stripe Blues--In a close game, free throw shooting matters and the 'Canes were horrible from the line, shooting 54.5%. Coming into the game, Miami was 3rd in the ACC in free throw percentage, the 'Canes didn't look the part today. Angel Rodriguez missed all three of his attempts, including a crucial front end of a one and one. If the 'Canes shoot anywhere near their season average, they leave Tallahassee with a victory.
3. Struggle Watch 2015--Angel Rodriguez continues to struggle from the field, going 3/11 and scoring a paltry 8 points. While his struggles on the offensive end are well documented, his struggles on the defensive end have gone unnoticed. Today, Rodriguez did a great job defensively, creating some steal opportunities, and being active throughout. The problem is that Rodriguez is still taking horrible shots, and it's obvious that he doesn't have any confidence right now. Manu Lecomte should be starting at point guard, with Rodriguez coming off the bench. Angel is a very good player, but he needs a change right now.
4. Where's Deandre?--Remember when Deandre Burnett was the best player on the floor against Illinois? That was a long time ago, as the shoot first guard has struggled to find playing time lately. Burnett didn't see the floor Sunday, he's only played in fourteen games this season, out of a possible twenty one. Jim Larranaga hasn't stated that Burnett is injured, or suspended, so one has to wonder why he isn't seeing time. The 'Canes are struggling to score, that's the one thing Burnett can do at a high level. Yes, Burnett is a horrible defensive player, but what he can contribute on the offensive end should override his issues on the defensive end. He should be allowed to see time early in games. If he's hot, play him, if he's struggling, pull him. This team can't afford to leave scorers on the bench, especially an explosive athlete like Burnett.
5. Offensive Offense--The final possession of the game was a culmination of a half of horrible offensive basketball. Leonard Hamilton forced Miami to play good halfcourt basketball in the second half, by switching to a matchup zone. Miami couldn't make the passes needed to beat the zone, which allowed FSU, a putrid offensive team to chip away at Miami's huge lead. Leonard Hamilton has always been a very good tactical coach, and this game was right in his wheelhouse. This game went from a fast paced track meet, to a grindfest. That's exactly what FSU needed, and Miami was unable to function in that kind of game.
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