Miami Basketball Looks to Slow Down Read Hot Florida State: Live Updates
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The Miami Hurricanes (21-6, 10-4 ACC) have one of the best records in the league, but after a loss to No. 14 Virginia, UM looks for a bounce-back game against its rivals.
It won't be easy, but head coach Jai Lucas believes his team is in the right spot at the right time entering the closing stretch of the regular season ahead of the ACC Tournament.
"I think we're right where we need to be," Lucas said following the loss to No. 14 Virginia. "You know, I think we have we've been in wars. We've won some, we've lost some. I think we're in the part of February where we're confident enough in who we are as a team and what we need to be, and our identity showed in the game."
Now the Canes face off against the hottest team in the league, rivals Florida State, winners of eight of its last nine games, including the Hurricanes.
"You're going to play the hottest team in the league next," Lucas said about the Seminoles, "Going got to go toTallahassee, Florida State. This wha tmakes the ACC so good is that everybody this year is competitive. You know, I keep telling people I think it's the second-best league in the country. I think the Big 12 and the Big 10, you can argue like 1 A 1B. I think we're right there after that."
The Last Outing
The Hurricanes and Noles last played on Jan. 20, as the Canes lost 65-63 in a "gun-shy" performance at home. This was while FSU was going through its struggles, and the Canes had lost their second game in a row. Both head coaches are preparing to make a case for an NCAA tournament bid.
How to Watch: Miami at No. 14 Virginia
When: Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET
Where: Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, Tallahassee, Florida
TV: ACCN
Radio: WQAM 104.3
Last Time Out, FSU: The Noles are one of the best teams in the country over the past month, and now they have won another game against Clemson, who is on a decline after starting 20-4. The Noles are on a three-game win streak.
Last Time Out, Miami: The Hurricanes lost on game-winning free throws against No. 14 Viriginia where Shelton Henderson and Tre Donaldson both scored 18 points, but bench production from the Cavaliers
1st Half:
Media Timeout: 16:27 — The Hurricanes have started fast, getting in transition and playing sound defense. The Seminoles have started to throw up several shots, highlighting what is good and what is not good about the team, while the Canes are 1-2 from beyond, thanks to the hometown kid, Tre Donaldson. Miami 7, FSU 4
The Hurricanes have knocked down three 3-pointers already from beyond the arc. It helps when Tru Washington is knocking down those shots, but he has forced two turnovers by driving headfirst with no plan. The Canes continue to go headfirst into the paint with the zone defense against them, but once they start knocking down some shots, everything can change. Miami 14, FSU 13
7:43 — The Hurricanes are playing sloppy basketball, but they are still in control of the game. Six early turnovers, but six three-pointers made. One positive with another negative that has to be cleaned up. Miami 23, Miami 16
3:27 — The Hurricanes continue to attack the paint, but the Seminoles are starting to knock down their shots from beyond the arc. The Canes continue to turn the ball over at an extreme rate, with 8 already in the first half. They limited those during the win streak. Miami 30, FSU 27
Halftime:
Tru Washington knocks down the three, going into halftime leading the team in scoring with 10 points. If he can buy into being a three-and-D player, he will be one of the most elite players in the country. Miami 38, FSU 32
15:49 — The second half starts fast for the Hurricanes. They are moving the ball with ease and keeping the lead to double digits now. but still keeping them in the game. Miami 50, FSU 40
10:54 — Jai Lucas calls a timeout after a short run from the Seminoles. The Canes have 14 turnovers and have played sloppy basketball throughout this game. It also hurts when a true point guard like Donaldson has to sit to take a breather when they are trying to play against a zone defense. Miami 54, FSU 50
7:55 — Miami just can't seem to put the Seminoles away. Turnovers are killing them, and because they can't get into the paint, FSU has a chance to tie this game when they were just up 10. Miami 57, FSU 56
5:29 — The Hurricanes start their run on the defensive side of ball. They get some steals and Malik Reneau gets on the glass and gets kep put backs. He continues to work on filling the middle. Miami 66, FSU 59
Injury: The biggest question mark right now is Shelton Henderson and what his injury could mean for the future of the Miami team in the tournament. He went down with a non-contact injury, with this team already missing so many players with them.
Miami 68, FSU 62
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Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Communications with a concentration in Print and Digital Journalism. During his time in Starkville, he spent a year as an intern working for Mississippi State On SI primarily covering basketball, football, baseball, and soccer while writing, recording, and creating multimedia stories during his tenor. Since graduating, he has assumed the role of lead staff writer for Miami Hurricanes On SI covering football, basketball, baseball, and all things Hurricanes related.
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