Miami Basketball Faces Near Must Win Saturday Vs Boston College

In the juggernaut that is the Atlantic Coast Conference, there aren't many breathers.

Even Virginia Tech and Clemson who are rebuilding, and FSU which is playing below expectation, are not complete slouches.

But the top of the conference is completely unforgiving.

Miami is about to find just how tough it can be with games next week on the road Vs #2 Duke (1/13) and #13 Notre Dame (1/17).

But before facing those two Top15 teams, the Hurricanes get a visit from Boston College (7-6, 0-2) tomorrow (4PM EST) in a game that can not afford to lose if they want to stay within shouting distance of the top of the ACC.

A loss would leave UM at 0-2 in the conference, with the distinct possibility of falling to 0-4 shortly thereafter.

Long story short. the Hurricanes better not take BC for granted.

On paper Miami would appear to the better team.   Last weekend they took #3 Virginia to double OT, and outscored the Hoos 43-25 in the second half, despite missing 7 second half free throws.

The Eagles do still have Olivier Hanlan (16.2 ppg 4.3 apg).  Hanlan has been one of the better combo guards in the conference for three years running.

They also have Southern Miss transfer Aaron Brown (15.3 ppg), a talented wing.

Nonetheless the Eagles put up just 66 points a contest.

If Miami does not show up however, they could be in trouble.  BC took care of Providence back on 12/5 69-60.  The same Friars squad that beat UM by 15 later in the month.

The 'Canes seemed to regain their swag in the second half Vs UVA, playing some terrific defense and getting back in the game behind the hard nosed play of PG Angel Rodriguez and the shooting of freshman Omar Sherman and Deandre Burnett, who both could see their roles expand.

If they play as hard as the did in the final 20 minutes of their last game, this should be an easy contest.

But one thing these Hurricanes have not been this year is predictable.

Hopefully for Jim Larranaga and Co. tomorrow Vs BC will be the beginning of a solid and consistent stretch of play.

With what waits on tap they can afford nothing less.

Game Info: