Canes Hoops Top 5 Moments of the Season

Most Canes fans have watched Ja’Quan Newton’s buzzer beater 1000 times since Tuesday, and for good reason, as the shot was the top play on Sportscenter that evening. It was such a big moment, that most of us completely forgot that Lonnie Walker IV hit a game-winning 3 with 2 seconds left against Boston College just 3 days prior. While this year was not the ideal season by any means, there have been plenty of exciting developments. Here are the top 5 moments of Canes season:

#5 - The Canes take down #12 Minnesota on primetime

On Wednesday, November 29th, Miami braved the cold and traveled up Minnesota to take on the Golden Gophers, who at the time were considered one of the favorites to win the Big Ten. Minnesota has since plummeted to a sub .500 record, but at the time it looked like a game the Canes may not have been ready for. Then this happened:

The Canes debuted their new black uniforms (we’ll see those again later) and took down the #12 team in the nation on national primetime TV. For that week, Miami was near the top of the college basketball mountain, and it felt great.

#4 - Chris Lykes Introduces Himself Against FSU

5’7” freshman Chris Lykes was just fun to watch up until the matchup with Florida State on January 7th. After the Canes took down the Seminoles in Coral Gables, it was clear that Lykes was no longer a novelty act. He was a weapon.

On a night where Lonnie Walker IV ended up with 5 points in only 15 minutes, Lykes stole the freshman spotlight by exploding for 18 points off the bench to put the game out of reach for our favorite team to send packing. This game opened the door for Lykes to take on an expanded role on this team, eventually becoming the starter for the Canes at point guard.

#3 - Lonnie Walker IV Channels MJ.

Louisville played a gritty game, and the Canes and Cardinals traded leads for the majority of the contest. With 10 seconds left, Miami trailed 69-67, and they needed a huge bucket. LW4 made sure they got it.

Lonnie finished with 25 points, and the Canes finished the job in overtime, but this amazing layup will be what’s remembered for years to come.

#2 - Lonnie Walker IV Caps Off An Epic Comeback

The Canes appeared to be on their way to a second loss to an inferior Boston College team. Down 14 with 6 minutes left, there were lots of reasons feel like the season was lost. Those thoughts were premature.

The Canes played a perfect last few minutes to get them within reach. Then Lonnie Walker IV took charge and

#1 - UNC. WALK OFF. ON THE ROAD. JA’QUAN.

I know you love it, so here it is one more time.

Are there any big moments from the season you think should be included on this list? Let us know in the comments.