Miami Basketball Secures An Extra Day Of Rest, Lose 73-68

The Miami Hurricanes looked to bolster their NCAA Tournament seed with a win over the Virginia Cavaliers in the semi-finals of the 2016 ACC Basketball Tournament.

Early on it did not look like Miami was going to be taking on UNC in the championship game. Virgina couldn't miss and Miami couldn't do much of anything, but eventually the 'Canes regained some composure. Ivan Cruz Uceda drained a couple of 3's or the Hurricanes might have fallen into the blow-out zone early.

Virginia, known for their tough and relentless defensive efforts, seems to have been gifted the ability to use their hands aggressively on defense. It seems as though Virgina players are actually shocked when anything is called. This is not to take away from their greatness - but this style of play will not work as well in the NCAA Tournament and might provide the Cavs with a false sense of security heading into the Big Dance.

Virginia maintained a lead of 9-10 points for most of the half, but Miami rallied in the closing minutes to cut it to 36-31 at the break. Sheldon McClellan (layup), Anthony Lawrence (baseline dunk) and Ja'Quan Newton (jumper) made the 'Canes 1st half effort look much better than it was.

The 2nd half started rather slow, with Angel Rodriguez making his first bucket, gambling for a steal with the shot clock almost at zero, making a ridiculously-stupid and unnecessary behind-the-back pass, nailing a 3, and dribbling the ball out of bounds with no pressure on him. Rodriguez chased London Perrantes around and around the mulberry bush, but Virginia's floor general was buys carving up Miami's defense and getting his teammates involved.

Somehow, with 11 minutes left, the 'Canes were only down 4 points, 48-44.

Just as the 'Canes looked like they were going to make a run and challenge the lead, a travel was called on Tonye Jekiri when he was being tackled, and then a phantom foul after that for good measure.

It wasn't all about the zebras. Malcolm Brogdon proved again why he is one of the best guards in the country. Mike Tobey dominated Jekiri. Perrantes, for the most part, bested Rodriguez . . . and Davon Reed was largely absent.

Miami made a charge at the end and looked like they might get a chance to tie, but some lousy free throw shooting further doomed the 'Canes chances. Miami made a lot of bone-headed plays and Virginia was the better team overall.