It wasn't always pretty.
It definitely was not a game for the faint of heart.
And the ending was certainly not easy to watch for fans of either team.
But in the end it was good enough to keep one team's conference record remarkably unblemished at an absolutely perfectly 8-0.
Your University of Miami men's basketball team relied on the strong (pimp) hand of Reggie Johnson to tip in an errant shot by Shane Larkin for the winning basket to propel the Hurricanes to a 79-78 victory over Atlantic Coast Conference rival North Carolina State on Saturday.
UM head Coach Jim Larranaga and his tough and talented band a merry men clad in orange and green just refuse to lose. In a game that could have gone either way Coach Larranaga's Hurricanes found another way to win on the road in a hostile environment in front of over 19,000 screaming Wolfpack fans at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC.
Johnson, who has not yet quite returned to top form since recently returning from a thumb injury, tipped in a missed shot with his left hand with less than one second to go to lift #14 ranked Miami edge #19 North Carolina State by one point in the hard fought and hotly contested ACC match-up.
The fortunate tip in and incredible turn of events capped a back-and-forth second half and kept the Hurricanes (17-3, 8-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) unbeaten in the league and sent the Wolfpack crowd home heart broken, empty handed and with their tail tucked firmly between their legs.
Johnson finished with 15 points in his best game since returning from the injury just four games ago but it was UM shooting guard Durand Scott led Miami with 18 points. Julian Gamble, who has to be considered as the comeback player of the year, added 16 points to help the Hurricanes win their ninth straight game.
The Hurricanes were only the ninth team to start 7-0 in ACC play since the 1996-97 season and first since Duke started 10-0 five years ago. Miami certainly earned its latest league win, fighting off a determined Wolfpack team that got strong performances from Purvis and fellow freshman Tyler Lewis in place of its missing floor leader.
On Larkin's last second shot the ball hit the right side of the rim and bounced off right to Johnson, who then calmly tipped the ball up and in to stun the home crowd. The huge crowd for the nationally televised (CBS) game and just as loud as the crowds for the Wolfpack's rivalry wins against Duke and North Carolina in the past few weeks. It was the first home loss in 13 games for the Wolfpack, the preseason ACC favorite.
With Miami now at 8 and Oh My! the UM basketball ticket has suddenly become the hottest ticket in town. That's right Miami Hurricane basketball is hotter than the Miami Heat, and that's saying something! So we strongly recommend that U go and get U some of the action by watching this team play live and in person.
Miami Hurricanes tickets can be purchased at CanesTix.com or by calling the BankUnited Center Ticket Office at 305.284.2263. The ticket office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
First?
Posted by: Pdxcane | February 03, 2013 at 03:00 PM
Nice!... Oh my!
Posted by: roachcane77 | February 03, 2013 at 03:07 PM
Pens > Caps.
Just sayin. Lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2013 at 03:10 PM
Canespace = Over 900 followers!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2013 at 03:16 PM
I'm not getting why we're using a ship on Lockskey, to be perfectly honest. I'm not a recruiting genius and I support the coaches, but honestly to me this is a head scratcher. Maybe some body can help me out with this, it just seems this is a guy we could have waited on and if nobody better came along then offer him.
Posted by: Canesfan_1 | February 03, 2013 at 03:23 PM
Pens smacked that ras. Go Canes hoops,
Posted by: Canesteeler | February 03, 2013 at 03:24 PM
If Locksley is going to have to go the prep route, we're not using a ship on him until next year.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 03, 2013 at 03:30 PM
86 Dick Enberg would be proud of your Oh My reference. Nice. Yes the Pimp and Crew are doing the Damn Thing. I love it.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 03, 2013 at 03:31 PM
Lockley will be coming in 2014, he will not be using. 2013 scholie......
The Juco DT (T Brooks) moved up his announcement. (Guess AG's train is getting ready to depart)
The U, U either ride or collide with us!!!!!
Arkansas has 2 RB commits, think AC is all U
Posted by: Da U N Houston | February 03, 2013 at 03:44 PM
Canespace = Over 900 followers!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2013 at 03:16 PM
Congrats...The best Canes blog on the planet,
Great informations, great opinions, breaking news, good people and a respectful environmentfor true Canes fans...
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | February 03, 2013 at 03:45 PM
Yes, congratulations. Canespace is to other blogs what Miami was and will be again to the rest of college football...a hyperpower.
Posted by: TonyCane | February 03, 2013 at 04:01 PM
I come here daily,have to get my UM fix,
Posted by: 1Miamifan | February 03, 2013 at 04:10 PM
TonyCane..." Miami was and will be again to the rest of college football...a hyperpower."
I promice when that happens WE will stay with out daughter in Cooper City and have season tickets. Maybe we can rent out our home to people wanting to spend afew days at the orlando attractions. (only an hour away)
Fran
Posted by: fran | February 03, 2013 at 04:11 PM
Wow..we're closing out with guys like Lockly and Edwards..NICE! lol
Posted by: UMike | February 03, 2013 at 04:30 PM
Lockley will go Prep and won't use a scholarship this year. It basically gives us a jump on next yr with one LOI already signed
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2013 at 04:34 PM
Please understand that Al Golden does NOT take recruits for da hell of it. Everybody on board is on cuz he WANTED em. He doesn't look at how many stars are besides their names, he'd rather look at their film. So everybody on board has showed him something.
Posted by: WWIN | February 03, 2013 at 04:35 PM
Johnson decommitted due to uncertainty of sanctions.
http://acc.xofan.com/Miami/travis-johnson-explains-decommitment-names-top-three/
Posted by: Clwtrdan | February 03, 2013 at 04:46 PM
Johnson decommitted due to uncertainty of sanctions.
http://acc.xofan.com/Miami/travis-johnson-explains-decommitment-names-top-three/
Posted by: Clwtrdan | February 03, 2013 at 04:46 PM
"I was thinking about the sanction possibilities they were having when Randy Shannon was there."
LMAO!
Yeah, with the morale the way it was under RS, it did feel like we were on sanctions.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 03, 2013 at 04:56 PM
yeah. he should have just said well Beau Sandland pretty much took my spot. tampa Jesuit.. why go to this school ? Remember that OLB when Shannon was here was commited and Golden didn't take him.. ended at GT.. bum
Posted by: laquinton | February 03, 2013 at 05:16 PM
1. Dick Enberg would be proud of your Oh My reference. Nice.
2. Yes the Pimp and Crew are doing the Damn Thing. I love it.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 03, 2013 at 03:31 PM
1. That was where I got it from, no doubt.
2. The PIMP hand is strong with that one!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 03, 2013 at 05:20 PM
"I was thinking about the sanction possibilities they were having when Randy Shannon was there."
Posted by: CaneRock | February 03, 2013 at 04:56 PM
R U serious? Travis, U best shut yo mouf.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 03, 2013 at 05:22 PM
Yes, congratulations. Canespace is to other blogs what Miami was and will be again to the rest of college football...a hyperpower.
Posted by: TonyCane | February 03, 2013 at 04:01 PM
The 900 followers is on Twitter, which is basically thanks to OhioCane who helps me run that arm of Canespace. Do U know how much trust U have to have in someone to basically run your Twitter account?
YEAH LOTS!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 03, 2013 at 05:24 PM
86,
My client will need a Twitter bonus!!!
Posted by: WWIN | February 03, 2013 at 05:30 PM
THE "U"! I am pulling for RAVENS but think 49er's will win.
Regardless of who wins, a member of the 2001 National Championship Canes will win 1st Super Bowl ring. Ed Reed & Mount McKinnie or Frank Gore. University of Miami leads all schools with seven players on Super Bowl rosters. Bmore - Ray Lewis, Reed, McKinnie, IR Berry, IR Streeter 49ers - Gore, Gooden.
It's all about the U! Hopefully Ray Ray and fellas can get a "W".
Posted by: LA3 | February 03, 2013 at 05:40 PM
Jamie Newberg just reported Denver has a spot at Miami and will choose between ARK, FSU and the Canes. Faaantastic.
Posted by: kenyon19ypr | February 03, 2013 at 05:53 PM
Ray epitomizes the roots of the cane mystique ...go ravens
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2013 at 05:58 PM
Miami back in it for Kirkland according to Tim Harris Jr........ Fellas cout him in this class and count 6 in we gonna close shopppp
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | February 03, 2013 at 06:02 PM
LaQuinton That's a different Jesuit. I believe the one you're referring to is Belen Jesuit in Miami.
Regarding Tampa Jesuit. Vinny helps with the offense and his son is the QB.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 03, 2013 at 06:04 PM
Jamie Newberg just reported Denver has a spot at Miami and will choose between ARK, FSU and the Canes. Faaantastic.Posted by: kenyon19ypr | February 03, 2013 at 05:53 PM
This will only be fantastic if he chooses the U. If he doesnt im scratching my head.
Posted by: usagainsttheworld | February 03, 2013 at 06:04 PM
I'm not one to continually give a Keef update, but is too hilarious not to pass up.
From Canesinsight Board:
"In another weird turn, #FAU cut short Atlantic DT Keith Bryant's visit, sending him home for not being serious. fauowlaccess.com/articles/133/f…
8:36pm - 2 Feb 13"
Posted by: LB | February 03, 2013 at 06:08 PM
LB
LOL
Posted by: Old Skool | February 03, 2013 at 06:09 PM
Us Against- It's somewhat sarcastic haha
Posted by: kenyon19ypr | February 03, 2013 at 06:13 PM
86
I don't know Travis. I don't know what the real story is, but let's say this is the case.
Golden encourages you to go somewhere else because they've signed Beau Sandland and its doubtful you'll get the early playing time you're expecting.
Do you really expect to hear a 17 year old football player say: "They didn't expect I would be good enough to beat out another incoming tight end"?
Nah. He's going to make himself look good. Be the decider, the man in charge.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 03, 2013 at 06:15 PM
Knowing that Keith is even taking visits to FAU makes me less interested in him. A talent like him could feign interest to get a trip to Oregon, USC, San Diego State, Hawaii.
When you live in Delray and want to get a free trip to Florida Atlantic. That's someone who doesn't set his sights very high.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 03, 2013 at 06:20 PM
"On Larkin's last second shot the ball hit the right side of the rim and bounced off right to Johnson, who then calmly tipped the ball up and in to stun the home crowd."
Yessssssssssss. Because they like to jingle keys in the faces of opposing teams fans (or at least they do at the football games).
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2013 at 06:23 PM
Pens > Caps.
Just sayin. Lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2013 at 03:10 PM
Yes sir! Sid has found his groove - he looked pre-concussion to me last couple of games. LOL Kunitz with a hattie.
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2013 at 06:25 PM
bunch of nasty individuals on that ravens d .... they out to do you harm ... lol
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2013 at 07:14 PM
Old School, I agree to a point. This visit was to try to help his friend get a scholarship to FAU. They wanted it to be a package deal including Keef. He's obviously not going there.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2013 at 07:17 PM
^^ I don't fault him too much for that, honestly.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2013 at 07:19 PM
Oh man! Keef's going to lose the recruit troll of the season award for his signing class right at the end with this tragic turn of event!
Hope he can play football if he signs with Miami and stars in one of those awesome weight lifting videos that have nothing to do with my evaluation of your ability to kick some jabronie right in the teeth on the football field.
If he signs somewhere else I'm looking forward to him being an even bigger troll than he is already, either way, this one's for Keef.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | February 03, 2013 at 07:26 PM
Ed Reed!!!!
Posted by: HawaiiCane | February 03, 2013 at 07:29 PM
When you live in Delray and want to get a free trip to Florida Atlantic. That's someone who doesn't set his sights very high.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 03, 2013 at 06:20 PM THAT'S CRAZY!!!!
Posted by: canezilla | February 03, 2013 at 07:30 PM
When you live in Delray and want to get a free trip to Florida Atlantic. That's someone who doesn't set his sights very high.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 03, 2013 at 06:20 PM THAT'S CRAZY!!!!
I choked on my beer when I read this LMFAO!
Posted by: TJL | February 03, 2013 at 08:28 PM
My client will need a Twitter bonus!!!
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | February 03, 2013 at 05:30 PM
Have your people call my people and we will do lunch?
Posted by: 86Cane | February 03, 2013 at 08:31 PM
Old School, I agree to a point. This visit was to try to help his friend get a scholarship to FAU. They wanted it to be a package deal including Keef. He's obviously not going there.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2013 at 07:17 PM
Ohio, throw that owl in the garbage bruh! LMAO
Posted by: WWIN | February 03, 2013 at 08:37 PM
got a bunch of pit bulls on the ravens d
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | February 03, 2013 at 08:38 PM
^^^^^^^
Funniest tweet of the year. Now I want keef in this class just off those fau tweets. LMAO
Posted by: WWIN | February 03, 2013 at 08:41 PM
Ravens too much for the 49ers
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2013 at 08:43 PM
Have your people call my people and we will do lunch?
Posted by: 86Cane | February 03, 2013 at 08:31 PM
We'll definitely have to negotiate before Wednesday, you know NSD is a contract by itself.
Posted by: WWIN | February 03, 2013 at 08:45 PM
When you live in Delray and want to get a free trip to Florida Atlantic. That's someone who doesn't set his sights very high.
Posted by: Old Skool | February 03, 2013 at 06:20 PM
He must want to party and/or get some action with some old friends from HS or something. No other explanation makes any sense.
Posted by: dj moonbat | February 03, 2013 at 08:47 PM