DEFLATING LOSS, HURRICANES NIT BOUND

The post season got off to a rough start for the Miami Hurricanes. Thursday’s 65-47 loss to Virgina Tech was the second loss to the Hookies this season. It’s disappointing because with a solid run in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, underway this week at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, the Hurricanes could have squeaked out a birth in the NCAA Tournament.  However, the loss to the surging Virgina Tech (18-13) squad will relegate Coach Frank Haith’s team to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in all likelihood. As for Tech, their bubble hopes for the NCAAs remain alive.

 

The opening round ACC Tournament game got off to a decent start for both teams. The halftime lead for the Hookies was only four points. But Miami picked the worst possible time to have their worst offensive output and much of that debacle occurred in the second half. Virgina Tech came out strong after halftime going on a 14-0 run to begin the period. That was all they needed to seal a blow out victory. The Canes managed only 23 second half points, totaling 47, a season low for offensive production. 

 

Jack McClinton and forward Adrian Thomas lead all Hurricane scorers with 9 points. The Hurricanes shot a dismal 18-52 from the field and only managed to convert 6 three point baskets on 23 attempts. 

 

Next, Miami will wait to get an invitation to the NIT that starts next Tuesday. They likely finished in a position with 18 wins to host a first round game and have a decent seed.