Miami Basketball Stays Hot, Eradicates Akron 79-51

Miami is a dangerous team when Angel Rodriguez is leading the way.

When Manu Lecomte, Sheldon McClellan, and Tonye Jekiri all join in on the fun, they are down right devastating.

The Hurricanes (4-0) got another great effort from their PG, but he was far from alone, as UM obliterated a good Akron  squad 79-51 today in Charleston.

This one was highly competitive for a half.

Miami got off to a slow start for the third consecutive game,  falling behind 5-0, before an Angel Rodriguez bomb from way outside broke the seal.

The Zips may have been with out double double machine Demetrius Treadwell (suspended), but they still managed to get the ball inside early on via the post and back cuts.

When UM adjusted by sinking down low, Noah Robotham made them pay with a 3 of his own to put Akron up early 15-11.

At this point Coach Jim Larranaga made another terrific adjustment and switched to zone, clearly bothering Akron's rhythm.  An 8-0 'Canes run ensued, capped by an Omar Sherman triple.

But Pat Forsythe would answer with a pair of buckets for the Zips, keeping it close at 22-19.

Miami continued to find good early looks, with McClellan getting much more involved in the offense, but turnovers by the Hurricanes and second chance points by Akron kept this one tight through out the first 20 minutes.

McClellan's spectacular 360 two-handed slam dunk off the break,  which he followed with a pretty feed to Tonye Jekiri down low, sparked a late run and UM took a 35-30 lead to the half.

Also sensational, was Lecomte, who was 4-4 from the floor in the opening stanza for 9 points.

And in the opening minutes of the second half, the sophomore guard from Belgium stayed red hot with 5 quick points to swell the lead to 40-30.

UM seemed to be in control and the Zips responded by getting more physical.

But Miami was completely undaunted.

An 8-0 run that was featured  a McClellan triple and finger roll off the break put Miami up 15.

Rodriguez, seemingly not wanting to be left out, went on a personal run of his own with a nifty pass to Sherman for a dunk and a strong finish plus one to really open things up.

The rest was pretty much academic.

Rodriguez would finish with a near triple double (15 points,8 rebounds, 9 assists unofficially) McClellan had 17, 6,  3 assists, and 3 steals, and Lecomte had 14 points and 5 helpers.  Jekiri also chipped in with 8 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

Those are some stat lines.

The scary thing about this team is that they are getting better every time out.  Miami is going to cause some sleepless nights for coaches in the ACC.

For now they will have to settle for wreaking havoc in their out of conference schedule.

Next up Miami faces the winner of tonight's other semifinal between Charlotte and South Carolina (7PM EST)  in the Gildan Charleston Classic Championship.

That final will be Sunday at 9PM on ESPN2.