Quick Shots: Boston College

Sheldon McClellan(10) puts one up against BC (Photo Credit: Caneswarning.com)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                  Canes Rising Contributor


It was closer that it should have been, but Miami's tournament hopes are still alive. Boston College had only won one ACC conference game before Monday, they didn't look the part, battling Miami through two overtimes at the Conte Forum.  Miami's 89-86 victory was crucial, but this team is still on the outside looking in. 


Quick Shots

Salute The General--Sheldon McClellan had another big game, scoring an efficient 24 points.  Mac did what he's done all season, and that's score on open jumpers and slashing to the basket.  He started the game on fire, scoring Miami's first seven points, and he didn't let up.  Brad Daugherty said it best "Good things happen when McClellan has the ball".  The 'Canes have a scorer, the key is finding a way to get Sheldon enough touches. 

Unlikely Heroes--We all know that Davon Reed, Sheldon McClellan and Tonye Jekiri are players that can be depended on game in and game out.  On Monday, those guys finally had some help, and that help came from some unexpected places.  Deandre Burnett has been a total zero over the last month, renting a room in Jim Larranaga's doghouse. Against BC, 'Dre finally saw the floor, and gave the 'Canes the spark they desperately needed.  Burnett played well, scoring ten points, including a crucial three at the end of regulation.  Miami was down four with under thirty seconds to play, when Deandre took the inbound pass and made a mad dash for the basket, scoring a layup, and drawing a foul.  That was the play that really turned the tide for the 'Canes, as the game looked to be over before Burnett's inspired play.  Miami could use a scorer off the bench, and Burnett should be that guy if he can buy into what Jim Larranaga is selling him.

Shooting Stars--In a game this close, every shot counts, and connecting on a high percentage is the difference between victory and defeat.  The 'Canes shot a high percentage from deep(45.8%) and from the charity stripe (81%).  Those are impressive numbers, especially away from the friendly confines of the BankUnited Center.  The 'Canes didn't jack up bad shots, and got the job done from the line. This team stepped up when it had to, in a game they desperately needed, and found a way to get the job done.

Struggle Watch 2015--The light may have come on for Angel Rodriguez.  While his stat sheet was  mediocre, his play wasn't.  He ran the offense, and let Sheldon McClellan dominate the ball.  He was a pesky defender, forcing Olivier Hanlan into some awful shots. .  Hanlan did most of his damage on Manu Lecomte, a player that is  smaller, and weaker than Rodriguez.  Angel fouled out late in regulation, but he had done his job.  Miami has more than enough shooters and scorers, to where Angel doesn't have to press.  Eventually, he will snap out of this funk, until then, he should continue to be the best role player he can possibly be.  He doesn't have to carry this team, he can concentrate on being what the team needs: a distributor and facilitator.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Boston College

Tonye Jekiri(23) grabs a rebound against Boston College (Photo Credit: SunSentinel.com)

Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
                  Canes Rising Contributor


It was closer that it should have been, but Miami got an important conference win.  Boston College is a team that will finish near the bottom of the ACC, but they fought Miami until the final moments, falling 60-56. While the win was an important one, much work remains to be done before Tuesday's tilt at Cameron Indoor.

The Good

Tonye Jekiri--Boston College has significant size, but Tonye stood out amongst the trees.  He was assertive early, gaining position in the post and dominating the glass.  It was another double double for the big man, as he scored thirteen points, and snagged an amazing fifteen rebounds.  What was truly impressive about Tonye's performance was his defensive effort.  He played great defense without fouling, something that has been an issue for him in the past.

Angel Rodriguez--Angel will never be the shooter Jack McClinton was, but Angel is outstanding at what he does well.  Rodriguez was able to get to the rim at will, and he used a couple of those drives to find open teammates.  While shot selection is still an issue for Angel, he still scored a team high seventeen points.

The Bad

Offensive Flow--It's obvious that Miami has a ton of athletes who can create off of the dribble.  The problem is that the offense degenerates into isolation basketball, which makes it far easier to defend the 'Canes.  The inability of Miami to put together consistent offensive sets allowed Boston College to crawl back in the game.  It's on Angel Rodriguez and Manu Lecomte to make sure that the offense is flowing. 

Perimeter Defense--Apparently, Miami didn't get the memo about Olivier Hanlan being one of the best guards in the ACC.  Hanlan scored an easy 19 points, most of it coming on open shots.  BC is a one man team,  and Miami found a way to lose that one man.  A lot of those shots came from Hanlan working screens, Miami was unable to fight through and maintain contact with the shooter. 

The Ugly

Free Throw Shooting--Another game, another example of mediocre free throw shooting.  While Miami shot 64% from the line, it was the missed opportunities that stand out.  The inability of Miami to consistently make the front ends of one and ones is troubling.  Teams that are able to close out games from the free throw line are the ones who find their way into the NCAA Tournament.  Unless there's a major change,  Miami may end up being a team that shoots themselves out of the bracket.

Perimeter Shooting--While the percentage wasn't as horrifying as previous efforts, the shot selection was disconcerting.  Miami fell in love with the outside shot early, despite having Tonye Jekiri established in the middle.  It's rare that Jekiri is assertive in the post, and he should be rewarded when he is.  Deandre Burnett has to understand that he can pass the ball as well as shoot it, he doesn't to hoist a shot whenever the ball comes to him.