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| Ivan Cruz-Uceda(Photo Credit: University of Miami) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner (@Canedude08)
Canes Rising Contributor
It's been a rocky couple of weeks for Jim Larranaga's squad. This team has lost games in every way possible, from squandering large leads, to being completely outplayed and outfought. There's still doubt about this team, but tonight's 56-45 victory over Clemson is a step in the right direction. Clemson is a team that will be fortunate to make the NIT, but the 'Canes have struggled to beat less talented teams.
Quick Shots
Struggle Watch 2015--While Angel Rodriguez made some questionable decisions, he limited his mistakes and showed signs of understanding his role. His 3/11 shooting performance belies the contribution Angel made. He was active on the defensive end with three steals, and showed a willingness to create for teammates. It has become obvious that Angel gets bored when the 'Canes are ahead, as evidenced by his inability to control the basketball when Miami got out to a fourteen point lead midway through the second half. Following a couple of turnovers, and a near benching, he turned it around, and helped the 'Canes slam the door on Clemson. The struggle continues for Angel and there's no signs of it ending anytime soon. That said, Rodriguez wasn't a detriment and that's something to build on as the 'Canes move into the easiest part of the conference schedule.
Ivan Make Baskets--With Angel struggling, it's become difficult for the 'Canes to score. This inability to score has forced role players to step up and be offensive threats, tonight Ivan Cruz-Uceda filled that role. While Cruz-Uceda only played eleven minutes, they were highly productive minutes as the junior forward scored ten points and snagged five key rebounds. Cruz-Uceda, while not a program cornerstone, is a player that will develop into a valuable member of the rotation. His ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the perimeter is a welcome addition, and his willingness to rebound is something that Jim Larranaga is always on the lookout for.
Tamed Tigers--Clemson isn't a team that will impress offensively, but they looked awful Sunday, as the 'Canes did an excellent job of limiting the Tigers. Brad Brownell's team shot 32.8% from the field, including an awful 25% from deep. Outside of some impressive post possessions, the Tigers struggled to create high percentage shots, nearly every shot was contested. Once Miami stopped turning the ball over, and allowing Clemson to score in transition, it was all over, as the Tigers couldn't get the job done in the halfcourt. A perfect example of this incompetence is the Tigers needing a quick bucket coming down the stretch and being unable to get an open shot. They had to settle for a low percentage jumper with the shot clock nearing zero. That's defense, and something that has been missing from the 'Canes during this rough stretch.
Silent Assassin--If you watched the game tonight, would you believe that Sheldon McClellan scored a game high nineteen points? It was an extremely efficient offensive performance, as McClellan shot 75% from the field, and connected on 60% of his attempts from beyond the arc. This game was another example of Sheldon being the most efficient offensive player on the team, and further proof that his role on the team should be enlarged. Sheldon's shots are usually outstanding opportunities and in most cases, extremely high percentage. If Sheldon is able to take an additional 4-5 shots per game, the 'Canes will benefit.
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