Sheldon McClellan scored 16 points and Miami beat Virginia Tech 59-49 on Wednesday night in the second round of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
Davon Reed added 10 points and hit an important 3-pointer with about 5 minutes left that helped the sixth-seeded Hurricanes (21-11) avoid a loss that would have been catastrophic to their NCAA tournament hopes.
The Hurricanes will face No. 11 Notre Dame (26-5), the tournament's third seed, in the quarterfinals Thursday.
Adam Smith and Ahmed Hill each scored 10 points for the 14th-seeded Hokies (11-22), who gave the Hurricanes all they could handle. Miami - which twice this season beat Virginia Tech by at least 21 points - never led by double figures until the final minute.
Noteworthy
Game Notes
* With the win over Virginia Tech, Miami collected its 21st win on the year and its third win over the Hokies this season.
* With the win, the Hurricanes will face No. 3 seed Notre Dame Thursday night at 9 p.m.
* Miami’s win over Virginia Tech improved the Hurricanes record to 12-9 all-time in the ACC Tournament.
* Miami opened the game with Tonye Jekiri, James Palmer, Sheldon McClellan, Davon Reed and Manu Lecomte.
* Miami is 2-0 with this starting five.
* This is the second time this season Miami has started a game with these five players.
* This is just the fourth game this season in which Angel Rodriguez did not start.
* The Hurricanes committed just 8 turnovers on the night. Miami improved to 18-11 when committing 15-or-less turnovers.
* Miami held a 33-26 rebounding advantage. The Hurricanes improved to 13-1 this season when outrebounding their opponent.
* Junior center Tonye Jekiri scored the Hurricanes’ first basket at the 18:59 of the first half.
* Miami led at the half 25-19. The Hurricanes improved to 12-3 when leading at the half this season.
uno!
Posted by: 30CINCO | March 12, 2015 at 08:17 AM
Good win. Now just beat those stinking lepricons!
#dale
Posted by: 30CINCO | March 12, 2015 at 08:22 AM
An ugly, but good win. Now - Let's take down the Irish. Go 'Canes!
Posted by: welcane | March 12, 2015 at 08:24 AM
Good grind it out win last night.
Looking forward to watching them tonight!
Posted by: Go Canes | March 12, 2015 at 08:24 AM
Ouch:
@TheTicketMiami: We can't stop watching this woman take a basketball to the face http://t.co/yOcg88tBus
Posted by: Go Canes | March 12, 2015 at 08:26 AM
Morning Spacers
Posted by: SinisterCane | March 12, 2015 at 08:53 AM
Boom. Good win by our Canes last night. Just beat the Irish! That is all.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | March 12, 2015 at 09:12 AM
They're gonna need a waaaaaay better performance tonight to beat ND. But it was good to see A-Rod back in the line up.
Posted by: CaneRock | March 12, 2015 at 09:25 AM
Hopefully, Miami got the bad game out of their system last night and comes out ballin tonight! That was probably one of the worst games they've played this season and still came out victorious!!!! They really need to bring their A game tonight!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | March 12, 2015 at 09:59 AM
If Miami can guard the 3 ball tonight, then they'll come out with a win!!!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | March 12, 2015 at 10:01 AM
UM basketball team holds off Virginia Tech in ACC tourney
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article13694231.html
Posted by: 30CINCO | March 12, 2015 at 10:52 AM
Tito Benach:
2016 LB Uche Calls 'Canes "Dream School"
It was an easy decision for 2016 Columbus (Fla.) linebacker Joshua Uche to commit to the University of Miami today, as it was a moment he had been waiting for quite some time.
“It’s always been my dream school, so I thought ‘why not?’. I’ve always wanted to go there and it’s been my dream school growing up and as soon as I got the opportunity, I seized it.”
Uche spoke with defensive line coach Randy Melvin when he committed and said the coach was more than happy when he pledged to the ‘Canes.
“I got connected to him through my coach and I told him I wanted to commit. He was actually really happy and I think he said something about going out and drinking a couple beers (laughs).”
Uche plans to be a rush end in the 3-4 scheme with the Hurricanes and he hopes to display his versatility.
“They said I’d be playing a 3-4 rush end, mainly a pass rusher and sometime dropping back into coverage. Essentially a hybrid linebacker.”
The 6’2 212 pounds pass rusher is honored to be apart of the ‘Canes highly ranked class and believes the coaches feel he can compete with the best.
“It means a lot, it means they think I’m gonna come in and make a big impact. This class is what’s going to turn the program around, so just to be able to be apart of history in the making is amazing.”
Columbus is coming off a state title run last year where they fell short to Apopka (Fla.), but the Explorers are more than reloading.
Uche is confident that the defense along with Trajan Bandy, Bryce Handy,Guy Thomas and Fabian Thomas will be more than enough to help them return to the State Championship.
“I think it’s going to be turned up a notch from last years defense we just have to stay focused,” said Uche. “I know our coaching staff is going to do a great job of developing us for next season.”
When asked what Hurricane fans can expect from him, Uche was very straight forward.
“I’d say you’re getting a steal. I’ve been overlooked a little bit, but I’m one of the hardest workers and I’m always looking to improve and I’m never gonna settle,” said Uche. “I’m always hungry and I’m never satisfied.”
Columbus’ defensive coordinator Alex Trujillo said Uche’s potential is through the roof.
“First off he is a great kid, as a football player, he is a natural pass rusher.” said Trujillo. “He has one of the best first steps burst I've seen at Columbus and I believe he will fit well into that hybrid rush DE/OLB 3-4 type.
Trujillo said the Hurricane commit has put tremendous work in the offseason and is expected to get much bigger.
“Kid has put on about 15-17 pounds since the season and his brother is about 6-5. Kid will definitely get bigger.”
More and more people want to play that hybrid LB position, rushing and also dropping into coverage.
Posted by: 30CINCO | March 12, 2015 at 01:23 PM
@pbpsports: Who are Palm Beach County’s top 2016 football recruits? http://t.co/SUDAM5RSHG http://t.co/vbTfBJBTri
Posted by: Go Canes | March 12, 2015 at 02:19 PM
Jesse Marks @Jessehmarks 13s14 seconds ago
Section 148 is Officially SOLD OUT
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 02:30 PM
WEEEEFENSE
Sack leaders since 2011
2014 - Thurston Armbrister 5
2013- Tyriq McCord 4
2012- Anthony Chickillo 4
2011- Anthony Chickillo/Marcus Robinson 5
Posted by: SinisterCane | March 12, 2015 at 02:33 PM
I'm in 144, based on what I saw when pIcking it has to be almost there too.
Posted by: Go Canes | March 12, 2015 at 02:34 PM
To win vs. NDU tonight, the U has to not only defend the 3s but also knock them down and get some boards on the offensive side when they don't go down. Would love to see the win tonight and the invite to the NCAA happen.
Posted by: JCane | March 12, 2015 at 02:53 PM
As of this moment, we're listed as "Last 4 in" with UGA, Texas, and Indiana. Gotta win tonight, or else we're gonna need help. NC State winning yesterday hurt.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 03:18 PM
^^ That's according to Yahoo
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 03:19 PM
Joe Lunardi says Canes win bid to tourney with win today.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 03:21 PM
Jesse Marks @Jessehmarks 2m2 minutes ago
Hot Tip: anyone selecting @CanesFootball seats go for 338 row 1 - $140 for a season Tix, $23 per game. Best value and amazing seats.
0 replies 0 retweets 0 favorites
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 03:30 PM
0 replies 0 retweets 0 favorites
0 interest?
Posted by: 2002nemo | March 12, 2015 at 04:22 PM
0 replies 0 retweets 0 favorites
0 interest?
Posted by: 2002nemo | March 12, 2015 at 04:22 PM
---------------------------------------------
Yeah, could be that. OR, it could be that the tweet was only 2 minutes old.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 04:24 PM
upper level row 1 have really good views, but that sun is no joke. that's probably where I would go when the roof is up.
Posted by: 30CINCO | March 12, 2015 at 04:33 PM
L'ville within 4 of UNC. 2 mins left.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 04:35 PM
UNC wins
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 04:42 PM
Duke is slaughtering NC State so far, up 42-17 with just under 4 min. left til the half. Sounds like the U-NDU game may actually start close to on time. FWIW, the spread is NDU by 4.5.
Posted by: JCane | March 12, 2015 at 07:54 PM
@D1fuzzymuffin17: Nice edit #THEU #Swag16 http://t.co/BYKtQ4v9GJ
Posted by: Go Canes | March 12, 2015 at 09:03 PM
Yuck. One team can't miss a 3, the other can't hit one, or a FT for that matter.
Posted by: JCane | March 12, 2015 at 10:02 PM
It was a nice season. I'm not really sure how L won 20 games with this team. There's not very many good basketball players at Miami.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | March 12, 2015 at 10:06 PM
NIT might give Miami more basketball anyways. They aren't winning this one the way they're playing. They'll be lucky not to get completely blown out.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | March 12, 2015 at 10:08 PM
Brick, brick, brick, brick.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | March 12, 2015 at 10:14 PM
Borderline unwatchable.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | March 12, 2015 at 10:14 PM
Dismal from the 3 point line is killing us..got to be on when it counts to show you can lead
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 10:18 PM
43-25 Notre Dame at the half.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | March 12, 2015 at 10:19 PM
Miami can't guard ND either. Wide open looks for the Irish.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | March 12, 2015 at 10:20 PM
We need to step up and start draining three pointers early to change the momentum...we are more athletic but it doesnt matter if you cant put the ball in the hoop
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 10:35 PM
Geeezzz throwing up bricks ...
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 10:38 PM
good start to the 2nd half with an 8-0 run. Will need a lot more than that though. We shall see.
Posted by: JCane | March 12, 2015 at 10:45 PM
#FrenchToast?
Posted by: SOUP | March 12, 2015 at 10:47 PM
Wow we back in it ...good coaching halftime adjustments ...lol Coach L is the man ...
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 10:53 PM
All shooters were due to see some drop, thankfully happened all at once and we got mo on our side. Lets see if it is sustainable...
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | March 12, 2015 at 10:56 PM
Terrible call...got to expect the refs to call it against us...
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 10:57 PM
Like I say we are definitely more athletic
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 11:00 PM
wooo drainging the threess
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 11:03 PM
What a comeback.
Go Canes!!
Posted by: Go Canes | March 12, 2015 at 11:03 PM
Cruz-Uceda is an incredible 3 point shooter for a big guy...
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | March 12, 2015 at 11:04 PM
I told you the refs were gonna be hard on us
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 11:17 PM
jk was going straight up and he was taller...acc ref
Posted by: mi@mic@ne | March 12, 2015 at 11:19 PM
It's hard to wish this Canes team to make the Big Dance. They're so inconsistent it's maddening. There's 2 reasons were even in this game: coach L's adjustment to 2-1-2 zone and ND basically giving up because they thought it was over.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | March 12, 2015 at 11:19 PM