Canes Crash ACC Party

The University of Miami men’s basketball team edged Pittsburgh, 79-73, Tuesday afternoon at the Greensboro Coliseum to begin ACC Tournament action.

The No. 13-seeded Hurricanes, despite playing with only six available scholarship student-athletes, used a balanced scoring attack to defeat the No. 12-seeded Panthers. All five starters scored 12-plus points, led by 20 from sophomore guard Isaiah Wong.

“I’m just really proud of our guys for the energy and effort they brought to the game,” Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga said. “They played with a great deal of confidence. They executed the game plan extremely well. Probably the most impressive thing is they shared the ball so well; we scored 79 points and had 17 assists, which really hasn’t been there all year.”

The Hurricanes used a 19-7 run during which they made 7-of-10 field goals to take a seven-point lead, 31-24, with 4:04 remaining in the first half. Pittsburgh (10-12, 6-10 ACC) pulled back within two, but a jump-shot by Wong in the closing seconds gave Miami (9-16, 4-15 ACC) a 40-36 edge at the break.

Both sides shot well from 3-point range in the opening 20 minutes, with the Panthers posting a 6-of-14 (42.9 percent) mark, including a 3-of-4 clip from senior guard Nike Sibande, and the Hurricanes notching 5-of-13 (38.5 percent).

Early in the second half, Pittsburgh went on a 16-8 run during which it made three 3-pointers in under three minutes, to take the lead, 55-52 with 11:42 to play. Miami answered right back with a 10-3 burst to go in front, 62-58, with 5:33 remaining, but the Panthers surged back 66-64, with 3:36 on the clock.

Once again, though, the Hurricanes countered. Miami scored nine straight points—three each from Wong, redshirt senior center Nysier Brooks and redshirt senior guard Kameron McGusty—and took a game-high seven-point advantage, 73-66, with just 55 seconds to play.

The Panthers did not get any closer than four down the stretch, as Miami held on for the victory. The Hurricanes made five of their seven field-goal attempts and Wong connected on four straight free throws in the last 30 seconds.

Wong, who now co-leads the ACC with 10 20-point games, shot 9-of-10 from the stripe setting a new season high and finishing one shy of his top mark in attempts. Sophomore forward Anthony Walker posted 14 points and a team-high nine rebounds in a career-best 39 minutes, while McGusty also notched 14 points. All of them dished out four assists, tying a career high for Walker.

Senior guard Elijah Olaniyi also recorded 14 points, adding six rebounds and a season-high-tying three assists, while Brooks finished with 12 points and a career-high-tying three steals.

“All five starters really executed their role extremely well,” Larra؜ñaga said. “We got some good interior baskets from Nysier Brooks and Anthony Walker. We had some nice threes from Kam, Isaiah and Elijah.”

Freshman guard Femi Odukale paced the Panthers with a career-high 28 points. He shot 11-of-16 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from deep. Sibande finished with a season-best 24 points, logging a 9-of-15 clip from the field and a 5-of-8 mark beyond the arc. Redshirt sophomore guard Ithiel Horton added 10 points.

Sophomore forward Justin Champagnie, a First Team All-ACC performer who is second in the ACC in scoring and first in rebounding, totaled 10 points and 11 rebounds. However, Miami held him to just 5-of-20 shooting, including 1-of-8 on 3-pointers. He made just three of his first 17 attempts through 37 minutes.

“You’ve got to give Anthony Walker a lot of credit because he was really the only one that guarded him,” Larrañaga said. “Justin Chanmpagnie is a dynamic player offensively. He can do a lot of different things. He’s a terrific offensive rebounder, but today was not his today. Today was our day.”

Free-throw shooting proved to be the difference in the game, as Miami finished 22-of-28 (78.6 percent) to tie a season best in makes. The Hurricanes made 11 of their first 12 attempts from the line. Meanwhile, the Panthers registered a 5-of-14 (35.7 percent) mark at the stripe after opening just 1-of-6.

In addition, Miami had 17 assists, its second-most ever in an ACC Tournament outing, and just six turnovers, while Pittsburgh notched nine assists and 14 turnovers. The Hurricanes logged a 22-6 edge in points off giveaways, as well as 19-4 cushion in fast-break points.

Miami now takes on fifth-seeded Clemson Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., live on ACC Network from the Greensboro Coliseum, in the second round of the ACC Tournament.

To keep up with the University of Miami men’s basketball team on social media, follow @CanesHoops on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Comments

[VA Cane]

one down keep going....nice to se the kids work hard, they did a good job!

[VA Cane]

With the draft coming up, I am sure TL of Clemson is the #1 pick. He is pretty cool guy; when Clelin was playing at Clemson, I met the young man....I do like him alot and he is a prototype QB...great size great arm mobile...smart.

My problem...for you Jville folks...is the coach. I dont care if he gave me a million bucks...I will never ever like Flathead Urban. I cannot argue with his record....he wins and it cannot be a fluke. But what a sleazy lying Mofo....he is just crap.

I do not want to see TL get hurt at all....good kid. I do NOT want to see this ahole Flathead Urban ever win...hope they never win a game....maybe TL could pull an Elway....or Eli...tell that SOB I do not mind Jville....I refuse to play for you. If it ws me I would....or I would tank it...throw picks, incompletes, be late for meetings....swig a cold one and have beer on my breath....anything to get away for this jerk!!!

I would love to see him in LV with my Raiders...be nice.

[AeroCane]

VA
I don’t like him either but I don’t want you to have a heart attack over hating the guy so much! Be well and wish urban the worst and call it a day! JMO

[nemo2020]

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?
UM pulls off another upset today defeating Clemson 67 - 64.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Good luck in the tournament assuming it's finally played Clemson, enjoy the season series win but UM got the one that matters when there was no choice but to come up with it.

Sometimes it's just not your year but this one isn't finished yet. Depth would be nice to have in twenty four hours but you go with what you have so it's been entertaining near the end at the very least.

[HerbieIbis]

Down to one recruit. Johnson decoms.

[86Cane]

Depth would be nice to have in twenty four hours but you go with what you have so it's been entertaining near the end at the very least.

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | March 10, 2021 at 04:34 PM

There IT is right there.

[Harry Miller]

Really great to see the Canes win that game. Can it happen again OGV. VA Cane I hope your flat head friend loses every game also. Lets hope he is TL is their a lot longer then The Liar.

[AeroCane]

Herb
My I understanding is no loss as this year we are going after some bigger fish - we definitely have the defensive recruiters now (other than patke- how this guy is allowed to stay and no less as LB coach is beyond me and a joke as a ST coach) so let’s see what happens

[VA Cane]

2 nice wins.....they are close games but the kids and Coach working some magic. Nice to see them winning nice change.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/gonzaga-vs-history-what-the-undefeated-zags-are-up-against-as-they-enter-the-ncaa-tournament-at-26-0/

Only the basketball team is capable of pulling this trick off;

"Winner: Miami becoming a likable underdog

The biggest upset of the day in major conference postseason play went down in the ACC when Miami, the 13 seed, upended 5 seed Clemson 67-64. The Hurricanes have been gashed by injuries and misfortunes all season -- they played with just six scholarship players! -- so to see them oust a surefire tourney team at less than full strength showed some serious mettle (and reflected quite poorly on Clemson). Miami's got a long road ahead to ACC title contention -- with Georgia Tech standing in its way next -- but this team is a fun, plucky underdog with heart and hustle that already has two wins in the ACC Tournament under its belt. So long as Isaiah Wong keeps his hot streak rolling (he's scored 20 points in consecutive games), this team's got a shot at serving as spoiler."

No indication as to which author of this they won over but they got at least one of them converted. Not sure why no one wants to admit Herenton has a scholarship for multiple seasons now while he finds himself in the rotation legitimately still but media keeps denying that fact for better copy is my guess?

[The Word From The Herb]

Well BBallers, it's on to next year.
It's either baseball or football from now on, which both happen to be The Herb's favorites.
In case u haven't looked, we are sitting with one recruit, after Jamaal Johnson decommitted.
It looks like Manny is going to be hitting the portal for a couple 2 to 3 more players and count them forward.
We do need a LB of quality.
We already added Cody Brown at Rb.
Looks like that might be the ticket from here on out, going after 18 to 20 high schoolers and then getting 5 or so from the portal. The idea sounds good, that way we don't have to stretch to get just fillers.
Manny needs to hit the CB's hard on the trail and LB's as well.
Looks like we may end up with Brown kid from Georgia as our Qb of the futcha.
We are onto some good LB's, Bisainthe, Lanthan and Graham. Just got to reel them in.
Stockpiled with DL in So. FLO., especially DE's.
May have to fly the coop to get a few good WR's. Crop supposedly not that stout this year in the crib. Got to win with no stumbles against the trash teams to harvest the fruits that are in the backyard.

[VA Cane]

I have always backed my guys...players make it happen...they do the work...I merely teach.

The NFL players on the other hand are grown men who should be able to make grown up decisions. Most got a free education...if they stayed, they should be able to think and do right.

I like Deshawn Watson...great player. I do not pity his plight. Fall of 2020 he signed 4 y/16 mil deal....40 mil a year....roughly. I could live on that..or try to. Now that things changed...he pouts. He had no problems when he signed the deal...and yes it is a screwed up franchise but now he wants out....Harden the same way. I do not pity these snowflakes.....$ is a necessity...but truly it warps the mind and is the root of evil.
40 mil to pay a game....when you probably cant spell your name...in a lot of cases...it just gets old after a while. JMO

[The Herb]

The question is, how much money is enough?
When you hear athletes say I got to take care of my family, I get that.
Explain to me how u can't take care of your family making say, 20 mil. a year?
I guess when u are a super star, that's considered chump change.

[KYcane]

VA
You still have my email address?

[86Cane]

Money is not the root of all evil.

That would be the Florida Gators.

Followed closely by Notre Dame and Ohio State.

That is the root of ALL evil.

[AeroCane]

Money is not the root of all evil.

That would be the Florida Gators.

Followed closely by Notre Dame and Ohio State.

That is the root of ALL evil.

Posted by: 86Cane

I’ll second that!!

[AeroCane]

1-0 canes in bottom of 5th
Dimare using his coaching brain / Rosario started and has given up 1 hit so far

[AeroCane]

Big 5th
We scored 5 and are up 6-0
Rosario still pitching - 1 hitter
C delcastillo with a 2 run double
Toral with a 2 run HR
Heading to bottom of 6th

[AeroCane]

Heading to the 7th up 8-0
Villar with a 2 run HR
Rosario - 6 inn, 1 hit, 7 k’s

[The Herb]

According to Rush Probst, Georgia and Bama drop big dough on recruits.
Of course he does the same at the high school level. Even paying Garcia's family move, Allegedly.

[AeroCane]

Canes win 10-0
First Friday night win of the season and also first Friday night not using federman! Tomorrow will be another freshman, mederos and Sunday will be federman

[VA Cane]

KY I think I do....I will check my email and let you know, if not you can resend it to mine !!! So glad to see that Dumpster Fire Icon...love it!!!!

Hopefully we will not be a fire this year....though I do claim we have been burning for a long time!!

Hurricanes Dumpster Fire, serving loyal Cane fans faithfully since 2003!!!...I would agree 86 about the Gators Bucks and Irish....and the 1.9 trillion Pork Butt Bill.....Root of Evil indeed!!!

KY I will let you know tonight!!!

[86Cane]

Canes win 10-0
First Friday night win of the season and also first Friday night not using federman! Tomorrow will be another freshman, mederos and Sunday will be federman

Posted by: AeroCane | March 12, 2021 at 10:10 PM

AWESOME!!!

[86Cane]

and the 1.9 trillion Pork Butt Bill.....Root of Evil indeed!

Posted by: VA Cane | March 13, 2021 at 10:32 AM

#FACT

[AeroCane]

Heading to the 5th
All tied up 1-1

[AeroCane]

3-1 Wake heading to the bottom of the 6th
We need our bats to ‘wake’ up!

[Old Skool]

Marvelous Marvin Hagler RIP

[AeroCane]

Villar with a 2 tun HR in the bottom of the 6th
All tied up 3-3

[AeroCane]

Del Castillo with a HR
4-3 canes
Still at bat bottom of 6th

[AeroCane]

5-3 canes heading to the 8th
Palmquist pitching

[AeroCane]

6-3 final - canes win!
Another excellent start by a freshman (mederos)

[58 Straight]

6-3 final - canes win!
Another excellent start by a freshman (mederos)

Posted by: AeroCane | March 13, 2021 at 09:14 PM

LOVE IT!

[AeroCane]

Game 3 cancelled today as wake had Covid issues before coming down and with a limited pitching staff just couldn’t swing game 3 (and I’m sure they didn’t want to be swept by the canes in a 3 game series)

[Mark from Atl]

Canes brothers
We lost a legend last night
Rest In Peace Marvelous Marvin Hagler!!!

[The Herb]

The Herb's all time favorite boxer, along with Aaron Pryor.

[AeroCane]

Timberlake transferring
Coach L - what a clown
Blake James - worst AD ever!

[VA Cane]

Sorry to hear of M. Hagler passing...the man was a machine...and highly intelligent kind out of the ring...ya think Mo Money Floyd woulda fought him...interesting matchup huh?

[AeroCane]

Baseball team plays at Florida gulf coast in a mid week game and then hosts FSU for a weekend series.

[86Cane]

Baseball team plays at Florida gulf coast in a mid week game and then hosts FSU for a weekend series.

Posted by: AeroCane | March 15, 2021 at 07:31 AM

There were a few years when I was still traveling all around the State for work that I planned my work schedule to be in Fort Myers when the Canes played @ FGCU. Nice campus, nice stadium.

[VA Cane]

Rousseau should be a nice pick, as should Phillips....Roache is good...but I do not know if he is as high a pick...too emotional plays angry...which is good but he cannot control his anger...stupid penalties too many times!!!!!

[86Cane]

Miami vs FGCU in Fort Myers in 2012:

https://canespace.typepad.com/canespace/2012/02/dimare-is-a-difference-maker.html

[86Cane]

Miami vs FGCU in Fort Myers in 2011:

https://canespace.typepad.com/canespace/2011/04/war-of-the-birds-ibis-trumps-eagle-.html

[CGNC]

Blake James - worst AD ever!

Posted by: AeroCane | March 14, 2021 at 09:36 PM

His contract is up in 2023. Sigh

[AeroCane]

Thank you 86!
Great article 2012
I haven’t gotten to the other yet

[HerbieIbis]

Soup,
What happened to Ohio Cane? Dude was blogging like crazy and then poof.

[KYcane]

Soup,
What happened to Ohio Cane? Dude was blogging like crazy and then poof.

Posted by: HerbieIbis | March 15, 2021 at 10:51 PM

Herbie

I asked about him a while back as well. If I remember correctly his wife’s sibling and spouse were tragically killed and Ohio/his wife took the kids in.

There was a go fund me account which I donated to and at one point I had his personal email.

Thinking maybe life became more pressing than blogging.

[HerbieIbis]

Thanks, KY.
It's strange how u get the blogging fever and then u cold turkey it. Reading those old blogs and u see the guys and gals that were blogging 9 years ago and haven't seen those handles in years.
I know there are a few pay sites and I'll read some of what they allow.
I see Sinister and Mac Jones but that's about it.

[86Cane]

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram killed the blogs.

KYCane is correct above.

Blogging is going the way of 8 track tapes.

IJS

[86Cane]

There were some good 'ol days here on the blog. I think from 2011-2016 was the peak. After that, not so much.