Miami Basketball Gets a Chance at Redemption Tonight Vs #8 Louisville

UM gets another crack at a monster win this season, tonight as Louisville comes to Coral Gables.

And while Miami has lost two conference games in a row, this type situation might snap them out of their doldrums.

The Hurricanes have been Giant Killers this year taking down top 10 opponents Florida (turns out they were overrated) and Duke in previous similar situations.  (They also lost to top 10 UVA in double OT.)

"When our guards are right, we can compete with anyone"  Larranaga explained on Monday.

But against lesser teams like Eastern Kentucky and their last two opponents Georgia Tech and FSU they have not been at their best.

Last week Coach L was concerned about the team's focus and effort.   It seems like they have that problem resolved.

"I thought our effort through the Florida State game was very good.  Effort should be a given on any night"  he added.

The 'Canes will need a special performance tonight that features 40 minutes of all out effort as well as great execution.

Louisville is led by All American candidate Montrezl Harrell, a powerful inside presence (15.3 ppg, 9.3 rpg).

They also have talented guards in Terry Rozier (18.3 ppg) and Chris Jones (13.6 ppg, 3.9 apg).

They like to press full court, but they also drop back into a match-up zone when the other team gets into the half court.

So two things are going to be critical, limiting turnovers and hitting threes.

Angel Rodriguez needs to be on his A game in both departments.  Ditto Manu Lecomte, who is suffering from a tooth ache, but will need to play big minutes tonight nonethless.

We're not sure who draws the assignment on Harrell, more than likely Joe Thomas gets an extended run.

Right now the Hurricanes are a bubble team at the best.

But the great thing about College Hoops, particularly the ACC, there are plenty of shots to build your resume.

Miami needs a big win in the worst way.

With tonight expected to be a sell out in the BUC, this may be the perfect opportunity to turn the season around......again.

Game Info: