Miami Basketball Faces HUGE Challenge/Opportunity Tomorrow Vs Duke

Recently the nice folks at CanesShade Radio asked me how many wins it would take in the ACC for Miami to get into the NCAA Tournament.

Would 9 or 10 be enough?  Would it take 11?

My answers in my best Joe Lunardi impersonation was,  "10, if one of the 10 includes a signature win over Duke, Louisville or maybe North Carolina."

Well tomorrow night, the 'Canes get that first crack at the big time win when they travel to Durham to take on what promises to be a very angry Duke team.

The Blue Devils, led by freshman Center Jahlil Okafor (future first overall pick), PG Tyus Jones (think Shane Larkin type) and  talented wing Justice Winslow among others, were pummeled 87-75 (game was not that close) yesterday by the NC State Wolfpack.

Oh yeah,  legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski is just 3 wins away from 1000.

Yes, they are going to be a very motivated bunch when they take the floor Vs the 'Canes.

So can Miami win?

Of course.  But it going to take a special performance.

One the one hand, getting into the paint is the key to beat the Devils.  On the other hand, that has hardly been a strength for UM this season.

So  it may take a clinical shooting display from deep from the likes of Deandre Burnett. Many Lecomte, Angel Rodriguez, and Sheldon McClellan to come away with the big win.

Before you shut me down, remember, Miami is 2-2 against Duke since the arrival of Coach Jim Larrañaga in 2011-12.

And all of the players above are certainly talented enough to get the job done.

Much more on this game/analysis coming soon.

Game Info: