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Tag Archives: LaSalle

Miami opens up a can on Valpo 66-50.

Rion Brown lead the way with 18 points as Miami overcame a slow start to dispose of Valparaiso 66-50 in the first round of the NIT. Ryan Broekhoff lead the way for Valpo with 18 points but on just 6-15 shooting. Reggie Johnson contributed 9 points 15 rebounds and 4 assists for the ‘Canes, and Shane Larkin continued his strong play with 12 points as well as an outstanding defensive game. Miami looked lethargic at times, building just a 24-23 first half lead. But the second half was all UM, as the ‘Canes used outstanding defense and hot shooting to cruise to the victory.

Rion Brown gave Valpo fits Wednesday night.

Player of the Game: Brown. When Rion Brown is at his best, the only way to describe him is “smooth.” Brown busted the Crusaders zone to the tune of 4-7 from downtown. At one point Brown displayed his superior athleticism by saving an offensive rebound to Trey McKinney Jones, who immediately kicked it right back to Brown. Before RB released the ball TMJ back pedaled down court arms raised with out a shadow of doubt the ball was going in. It was the kind of night for Rion Brown.

The Bad News: Durand Scott was re-instated by the NCAA, but must first serve a 6 game suspension. Counting tonight’s game he has served two, so the suspension effectively ends the season of arguably UM’s best player.  The silver lining is that Larkin and Brown in particular have raised their games. But with out the NYC native Scott, Miami’s chances to reach the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden are significantly reduced.

What’s Next: Miami will face Minnesota (20-14) at the BUC, TBA. The Golden Gophers upset LaSalle 70-61 in their first round NIT match-up.

 

Valparaiso Crusaders Valparaiso

Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
E. Buggs 40 1-4 0-2 2-2 1 3 2 3 1 0 2 4
W. Bogan 40 2-10 2-8 0-0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 6
R. Broekhoff 38 6-15 2-9 4-4 2 7 3 2 4 0 2 18
B. Boggs 26 0-2 0-1 0-0 2 4 1 2 0 0 2 0
K. Van Wijk 24 3-8 0-0 0-1 3 10 2 0 0 0 3 6
R. Edwards 32 7-14 1-7 1-2 1 4 1 1 0 0 2 16
Totals 19-53 5-27 7-9 10 29 9 11 5 0 12 50
Percentages .358 .185 .778 Team Rebounds: 3

Miami (FL) Hurricanes Miami (FL)

Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
M. Grant 24 2-4 2-4 0-0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 6
R. Johnson 33 4-8 0-0 1-2 2 11 4 1 0 3 1 9
K. Kadji 14 1-4 0-0 0-0 2 3 1 0 0 0 3 2
R. Brown 37 6-11 4-7 2-2 1 6 1 1 1 0 2 18
S. Larkin 36 5-10 2-5 0-0 0 5 1 0 1 0 0 12
T. McKinney Jones 26 4-7 2-4 0-0 0 3 3 0 1 0 2 10
G. Adams 26 4-8 0-2 0-0 2 2 3 1 1 0 0 8
D. Jones 4 0-1 0-0 1-2 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 1
Totals 26-53 10-22 4-6 7 31 16 8 5 3 9 66
Percentages .491 .455 .667 Team Rebounds: 1

Game Info

Technical Fouls:
None
Arena:
BankUnited Center, Coral Gables, FL
Attendance:
1,229
Officials:
Doug Sirmons, Wally Rutecki, Forrest Sigler

Small Consolation: Miami to face Valpo in NIT.

Amidst the disappointment of not being selected to the field of 68 and the continued uncertainty in the status of Durand Scott, Miami’s selection to the NIT feels almost anti-climatic. Adding to the angst is the fact the NIT decided the ‘Canes were only worthy of a #2 seed in the tourney, remarkable considering most pundits had UM as one of their last 4 out for the NCAA’s. But with the conspicuous timing of Scott’s suspension as well as the overwhelming feeling that Miami got screwed by the refs against FSU, unwelcome surprises seem to be a trend for UM.  That being said ‘Cane fans can take solace in the face that the season continues and the careers of Malcolm Grant and DeQuan Jones have been extended.

The timing of Scott's ineligibility like his status remains a mystery.

For the full NIT bracket, click below(PDF reader required):

2012 NIT Bracket – 3_11_12

 The Road Ahead: Until Scott’s status is settled, its difficult to forecast how well UM will do the NIT. The silver lining is Shane Larkin was spectacular in UM’s 2 ACC Tournament games (14.0 ppg 4.5 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2 stls). The team has faced incredible adversity all year long and responded. A trip to NYC and the NIT final four would be a poetic redemption for Brooklyn native Grant, and fellow NYC guard Scott, should he be cleared to play. Whatever the outcome of Miami’s next few games the team and the coaching staff deserve a ton of credit for remaining classy as they continue to be the most snake bitten team in the country.

After Valparaiso, they would face the winner of LaSalle – Minnesota, with a projected trip to Tennessee should they advance to the quarterfinals.

Wednesday game is at 7:30 PM EST at the BUC (ESPNU). Second round games are TBA.

Malcolm Grant & Miami return to action WED night in the NIT.