Miami Basketball Opens Vs Drexel Today in Gildan Charleston Classic

(Editor's note: This article was created by our newest author Michelle Bertran, disregard the byline - technical difficulties)

UM got their season off to an eye opening and spine tingling start with a 69-67 win in their second contest earlier this week Vs the 8th ranked Florida Gators.

Led by Angel Rodriguez's heroics, Miami was able to pull the upset and garner National attention.

So what can they do for an encore?

The Hurricanes take on the Drexel Dragons, today at 3PM (ESPNU) at the TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina to kick off the Gildan Charleston Classic.  It is the start of Miami's road trip consisting of five games in nine days.

They will face either Akron or Southern California tomorrow at either noon or 2:30PM.

Depending on how things go the 'Canes could also face Charlotte, South Carolina, Penn State, or Cornell in the next few days.

Full bracket HERE.

Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracketed-tournament  format.

Miami may have an advantage at this match-up against Drexel considering that their  starting point guard, Major Canady, is out for the entire season due to an ankle injury.

Injuries are a common issue for Drexel. Forward Kazembe Abif will also be sitting out this full season after tearing his ACL last spring. Canady and Abif combined, started 26 games for the Dragons last season.

Their projected starting lineup against the Hurricanes is Damion Lee (G), Tavon Allen (G), Rodney Williams (F), Rashann London (G), and Mohamed Bah (F).

The Dragons are coached by Bruiser Flint, and are currently 0-2 this season. However, last season they did finish 16-14, including 8-8 in CAA conference.

The Charleston Classic championship game will be shown Sunday at 9PM on ESPN2.

Stay tuned for much more coverage of Miami's run through Charleston right here on State of the U.