Hurricanes Hoops look to rebound against Jacksonville.

Coming off one of the most disappointing loses in school history, UM (1-1) will look to bounce back against JU, (1-1) tonight in Coral Gables. The 'Canes have really struggled thus far in all facets. The defense allowed FGCU to shoot 49% from the floor in Tuesday's upset loss. Additionally Miami has shot just 60% from the charity stripe and 31% from downtown thus far this season. Tonight's game proceeds a crucial three game stretch, that could be critical to Miami's NCAA Tournament hopes. With visits from Detroit and Michigan State as well as a trip to UMass on deck, the 'Canes need to find their groove in the worst possible way tonight. UM will soon benefit from the return of senior G Durand Scott, who will finish out a 3 game following tonight's game. But in the meantime they will need someone else to fill the void of his leadership to avoid another costly loss tonight.

Jacksonville Scouting Report:

JU is 1-1 following a close loss to Georgia, and a blow out win over Trinity Baptist. The Dolphins are led by Keith McDougald and Jarvis Haywood, both averaging 12.5 points per game. Senior forward Glenn Powell (7.5 ppg 7.0 rpg) is the team's best all-around player. Jacksonville is an undersized group, who rely on their quickness, They have been a bit sloppy and turned the ball over 20.5 times a game so far, but also average 10 steals per game.

Series: Miami leads 26-6
Last Meeting: Nov. 12, 2010 - Miami won, 89-77, in Coral Gables

Projected Starting Lineups:

Miami

C Reggie Johnson 6'10 290 SR.

F Kenny Kadji 6'11 242 SR

G Trey McKinney-Jones 6'5 220 SR

G Rion Brown 6'6 200 JR

G Shane Larkin 5'11 176 SO

Jacksonville

F Javon Dawson 6'6 260 JR

F Glenn Powell 6'6 220 SR

G Russell Powell 5'9 180 SR

G Keith McDougald 6'1 206 JR

G Jarvis Haywood 6'4 185 FR

Prediction:

Miami faces a team in Jacksonville that doesn't start a player over 6'6. On the one hand, the 'Canes post players Kenny Kadji, Reggie Johnson, and Julian Gamble should be able to do work down low all night. But on the other hand these smaller, quick teams have been good at denying passing lanes in the post. Additionally Reggie Johnson and Shane Larkin are a little banged up, so look for Kadji, Trey McKinney Jones, and Rion Brown to get more looks. Miami;s outside shooters are due for some shots to fall. There's no way I see this team with all its' talent dropping another game to a lesser opponent. Miami gets serious and wallops Jacksonville 82-66.