Miami Basketball Faces Another Must Win Tonight Vs Virginia Tech

Coming off a double OT win at Boston College just 2 days ago, the 'Canes have little time to celebrate with Virginia Tech coming to the BUC tonight.

It was an important win, but will mean very little if Miami can not follow it up with another victory this evening.

"The win, it helps but what it allows us to do is move forward and try to compete further for an at large bid," Miami Head Coach Jim Larranaga explained on Tuesday.

Indeed UM is in a very precarious position.

.@jppalmCBS has @CanesHoops among the last 4 teams IN - http://t.co/AsUzb3LSKZ Big game tonight at the BUC #SurviveAndAdvance

— Miami Hurricanes (@MiamiHurricanes) February 18, 2015

Coach L also observed that the team chemistry leading up to the BC win was as good as it has been since Spain.

On the court however, they still struggle with consistency.

Far too many drives to the basket and open threes were surrendered in Monday's 89-86 win in Chestnut Hill.

Tonight they face a Hokies squad, that much like the Eagles, plays a style UM struggles with.

"Virginia Tech is shooting the 3 incredibly well.  They start 4 guys on the perimeter who can all shoot threes. They are very hard to guard.  We found out that teams in Wake Forest and Boston College that spread us out and shoot the three well, have a lot of success.  We are going to have to be at our best defensively,"  observed Larranaga.

So what does that mean for tonight?

Expect another close, hard fought contest.

The 'Canes will need to make a few shots of their own to get what amounts to a must win.

Look for more minutes for Deandre Burnett, who came off the bench for 13 huge points Vs Boston College, following 4 consecutive DNPs.

Burnett will need help from Sheldon McClellan who poured in 24 on Monday, Davon Reed who had 19, and Angel Rodriguez, who has looked much more under control the last 2 contests (5-14 shooting combined, 8 assists).

Game Info: