Going into this recreation, the Miami Hurricanes had been 17.5 level favorites in opposition to the Mount St. Mary Mountaineers in line with CBS Sports activities. Nonetheless, Miami fell brief, shedding 78-74 in time beyond regulation. Sports activities aren’t at all times in regards to the odds, particularly when Miami Males’s basketball steps on the courtroom.
Mount St Mary, a small mid-major college, taking part in within the Metro Atlantic Athletic Convention (MAAC), would often don’t have any enterprise taking part in in opposition to a power-four crew like Miami, however given Miami’s disappointing season, something can occur.
From the opening-tip, there was a way that it was going to be a protracted afternoon for Miami. Within the first minute, a foul move from Lynn Kidd led to a turnover and a straightforward two pointer for the Mountaineers on the opposite aspect of the courtroom. Mount St. Mary would go on to take the early 8-2 lead till Matthew Cleveland slammed down an alley–oop dunk from Brandon Johnson, one thing ‘Canes followers see often from the excessive flying Cleveland.
The theme of the primary half was turnovers and steals, The Mountaineers tallied 12 whereas Miami had eight. Miami did capitalize off turnovers, scoring 19 first half factors. Each groups had eight steals going into the half. All season Miami has been scuffling with turnovers, however given the sloppy play from their opponents that they had a commanding 38-28 lead.
As Miami ran out of the locker room for the beginning of the second half, they had been seeking to begin a win streak, the primary time since November tenth.
Early within the second half Miami would keep a large lead, nonetheless because the time saved winding down Mount St Mary’s got here again into the sport as Miami collapsed on either side of the ball.
Miami’s protection couldn’t lock up anybody, as Terrell Ard Jr. would go 5-6 from the sector and rating 12 large second half factors for the Mountaineers.
As Mount St Mary’s saved on rolling, Javon Ervin would tie the sport up 62-62. With two minutes to spare within the recreation Ervin would sink one other basket, giving Mount St. Mary’s a 66-64 lead. Fortunately for the Hurricanes, Jalil Bethea would knock down a shot to ship the sport to time beyond regulation.
The Mountaineers would proceed their combat within the 5 minute time beyond regulation interval, outclassing the Hurricanes. Once you shoot 2-8 in time beyond regulation it’s onerous to win, and that’s what Miami did. 5-star Jalil Bethea was visibly pissed off with himself as some boos got here from the small crowd contained in the Watsco Heart.
Once you shoot 41% from the sector and 5-25 from past the arc it’s onerous to win basketball video games. Every recreation it looks like a brand new downside happens for this Miami Hurricanes basketball crew. The way in which issues look, the following few months will likely be lengthy for this crew.
Miami head coach Jim Larrenaga did let Jalil Bethea get a variety of run at this time. Seeing 29 minutes on the courtroom and scoring a career-high 17 factors. Matthew Cleveland additionally had a strong efficiency scoring 19 factors.
With the brand new 12 months approaching, comes new 12 months resolutions. For the Hurricanes, their decision ought to be to win some video games and play a significant full 40 minutes of basketball.
Miami will face off in opposition to Boston School on New 12 months’s Day in Chestnut Hill at 12 p.m. for his or her first recreation of 2025.