The Cardiac ‘Canes compounded the day’s good football fortune into more momentum for the basketball team with a thrilling, gut-wrenching, and heart-palpitating 90-86 double OT win over the Maryland Terrapins. The emotion in the BUC was palpable as the ‘Canes rode a rollercoaster to a safe finish. The ride was brutally intense and there were dozens of moments where the game seemed to turn. The video below says it all. Watch it through!

Kenny Kadji was unavailable due to a concussion sustained during practice earlier this week. Word is that he will be ready for Saturday’s showdown at Cameron. Kadji has been the ‘Canes most dynamic player this season and his absence would require other ‘Canes to step up – and as Charlie Strauzer says – PLAY ANGRY.

Looking at stats is a usually a good way to judge performance. Durand Scott (24pts, 8reb, 7ast, 1blk) went ballistic and capped off his second straight outstanding effort. Scott was fearless attacking the boards, finding teammates, and drilling shots. After out-muscling the Maryland bigs on the offensive glass, Scott snatched the rebound and scored. On the way down the court he flexed his arms and signaled that he was prepared to carry the ‘Canes. This was true . . . until 2/3rds of the same officiating crew that brought you the Clemson insanity whistled him for a phantom foul early in the 1^st overtime, ending his night. You can read about 2/3rds of this crew here.

After Scott headed to the pine for good, the Terps took the momentum and grabbed the lead. At this point the ‘Canes seemed disjointed on offense. Reggie Johnson (13pts, 5reb, 1ast, 1stl, 1blk) and Rafael Akpejiori (4pts, 1reb) were already long fouled-out. The game . . . and possibly the season felt as though it was slipping away. Blowing a 16 point lead at home and not winning the game would have been devastating.

Miami was on the ropes and Trey McKinney Jones (13pts, 5reb, 2ast) found himself with the ball way beyond the 3-point line. The shot clock was trickling away like so much sand falling through an hourglass. McKinney Jones squared up with the basket and launched a LONG three that found the bottom of the cup and helped the ‘Canes get into the 2^nd OT.

Sometimes stats don’t tell the whole story. DeQuan Jones (5pts, 4reb, 2stl, 1blk) was 1-7 from the floor. But what the numbers don’t reveal is that he was called on to play center for the latter part of the 2^nd half and both overtimes. Jones did an admirable job against 7’1 C Alex Len (11pts, 7reb, 4blk) and Maryland’s other big men.

 

Shane Larkin (12pts, 7reb, 2ast, 3stl, 1blk) was his usual thieving self. His quick Floyd Mayweather-like hands created fast break opportunities and frustrated Terrapin ball-handlers. Larkin struggled from the field and committed some costly turnovers, but played excellent defense and came up huge at the end of the game. I said it since the first time I saw Larkin play. Watch this kid. He’s got HUGE upside and it’s going to be fun watching him refine his game under Coach Larranaga. Sure, in basketball you can’t teach height . . . you can’t teach quickness and agility either.

Malcolm Grant (14pts, 6reb, 3ast, 2stl) had an up-and-down game. He struggled from the field but contributed on the boards and along with Miami’s other guards, actually played Terrell Stoglin (33pts, 3reb, 1ast, 1stl) pretty tough. Sure, Stoglin burned the ‘Canes for 33pts, but he also needed 26 shots to get there. Stoglin was 6-20 from beyond the arc and converted all 9 of his free throws.

Offensive Player of the Game: Durand Scott. Scott has had many excellent games in his ‘Canes career, but this one might have been his finest or at least in the top 5.

Defensive Player of the Game: Team award. Stoglin’s arms must be tired after so many shot attempts. He missed a ton and a lot of it was good defense. Larkin clearly frustrated anyone he was guarding.

Player of the Game: Durand Scott was a total beast.

The Good: A lot of assists. A lot of effort. A lot of heart. 4-3 in the ACC. Momentum building going against Duke this Sunday.

The Bad: Not bad. Not bad at all.

The Ugly: The variety of technical fouls and other nonsense. Two of the Three Stooges refs, Brian Dorsey and Mike Eades were joined by a new stooge: James Luckie. The refs blew calls for both teams. Sure, I’m probably a bit biased (as a Maryland die-hard would be) but I felt Miami gets almost no calls when ‘Canes players drive to the hoop. Maryland was 26-35 from the line and Miami was 20-27. Scott drove to the hoop all night and only shot 2 FTs.

Next Game: The ‘Canes face a difficult test on the road @ Duke this Sunday at 3pm. Glad it won’t overlap the Super Bowl!

Technicals: 4 MIAMIFL ( – Team 1, R Johnson 1 ) MARYLAND ( – Team 1, B Weijs 1 )
Officials: Mike Eades, Brian Dorsey, James Luckie
Attendance: 4,611