Miami Basketball Howls at the Moon: beat Wolfpack 65-60

Miami started out the game doing damage from long range as Davon Reed, Omar Sherman, and Sheldon McClellan each hit from downtown. NC State was powered early by the inside game of Abdul-Malik Abu, who nailed some difficult shots against solid defense from Tonye Jekiri and Ivan Cruz Uceda.

Cruz Uceda, the recently-instated JUCO transfer showed a deft touch inside and his presence gives Coach Larranaga a lot more flexibility within the rotation.

Miami's defense was mostly solid, but defensive breakdowns allowed Abu some uncontested dunks on the ole drive-and-dish routine. Abu scored NC State's first 12 points.

The 'Canes looked more aggressive as a team with multiple players taking the ball strong to the rim. While the shots didn't all fall, it was a positive sign to see more than a couple of players seeking to press the issue offensively.

Towards the end of the 1st half Anthony Barber, Trevor Lacey, and Ralston Turner got it going and gave the Wolfpack a 33-26 lead going into the break. Miami's earlier stout defense showed some serious cracks and after holding a lead for much of the 1st half, Coach Larranaga and his squad were left to ponder a 2nd half comeback.

Jekiri started off the 2nd half by singing a short jumper as Miami looked to cut into NC State's lead. Rodriguez drilled a much-needed three and then off a turnover, McClellan converted a three-point play on a deft layup and the 'Canes were within 1. Suddenly, NC State seemed a bit rattled and then Rodriguez found Sherman inside for a reverse layup. McClellan continued the run off a steal and a smooth layup and suddenly the 'Canes were up 38-35 and there were signs of life from the BUC faithful.

Whatever Coach Larranaga said at the half seemed to pay healthy dividends in the early stages of the 2nd frame.

After a bizarre sequence that didn't make sense to anyone with eyes (charge called on Rodriguez) the speedy PG found Reed for a crowd-pleasing lob which brought the crowd to its feet.

Sherman continued his strong play (on both sides of the ball) and drilled a huge 3-ball. After a fast break conversion by Reed, Sherman went back to work and hit a soft jumper inside.

With 3:18 to play, Jekiri called for the ball and made a strong baseline move to put Miami up 56-47. Jekiri is easily the most improved player on the team and has showed a lot more confidence down on the blocks.

With 1:42 left and the 'Canes clinging to a 58-54 lead, an NC State player tried to kick at the ball on the inbounds pass. The ball missed the foot and the 'Canes let it go out of bounds, thinking that the NC State player had made contact. After an official review, NC State was rightfully awarded possession and Turner immediately drained a 3 to cut the 'Canes lead to a razor-thin 58-57.

The game came down to a bunch of wild sequences. As soon as you thought NC State was dead in the water, the Wolfpack would nail a ridiculous shot to keep their chances of leaving Coral Gables with a win. But it was Reed's defensive acumen in the closing seconds that secured the win for Miami as he drew an offensive foul from Barber.

Great win for the 'Canes!

Takeaways:

Jekiri hit the ground hard saving a loose ball from going out of bounds.

"Put some south in your mouth" is easily the worst catch-phrase a restaurant could have ever thought of (one of the promotions by a place called Brother Jimmy's during a commercial break dance-off)

Aside from some solid moments early in the game, Cruz Uceda still seems like he's got to play some catch-up after a long layoff.

Deandre Burnett didn't get in the game.

Reed played his best game this year. Watch this guy, he's on the verge of breaking out. What's not to like about a physical two-way player?

Technical Fouls: PLAYERS: None - TEAMS: None