One might think the No.3 seed Miami Hurricanes could probably make quick work of the No.11 ranked Wichita State Shockers – well not so fast.
The underdogs just shook off of the number six-ranked Arizona Wildcats in the first round with a bit of ease. They broke the Arizonan’s hearts and shattered brackets everywhere. They now have a quality matchup at their fingertips against a Miami bunch that narrowly edged out Buffalo on Thursday night.
He may have one of the best names in all of college basketball, Fred VanVleet helped lead his school to the Round of 32 for the fifth consecutive season on Thursday night. He and fellow senior Ron Baker were the difference in their First Four matchup against Vanderbilt earlier in the week, and they were again the top dogs on Round of 64. VanVleet was perfect (6-6) from the charity stripe and led all scorers with 16 points, while Baker put up 13 of his own and led all players with six assists.
The two veteran assets will be needed again against a ‘rough and tumble’ Miami squad. The Hurricanes took out Buffalo by five, but the scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story. The Canes absolutely dominated the boards, pulling down 43 rebounds to the Bulls 25. If Wichita State wants to win this game, they’re going to have to do a tremendous job of boxing out in the paint. In other words, the onus will be on big men Zach Brown and Shaquille Morris to get physical early and often.
The Canes score quickly off the break and if they can also own the inside in this one, it’s all but over. However, if the Shockers can keep Miami out of the key, they’ll have a very good shot at another upset on Saturday.
Obviously, as they are the favorites, this shouldn’t be a tough sell. Miami is definitely an “us against the world” kind of squad in this year’s tournament rendition. Their team stats throughout the year in the ACC did not turn many heads. However, after reaching the semis in the ACC Championship and almost knocking off now-top seed Virginia just a week ago, the Canes have new life.
If their first round performance against Buffalo tells us anything, it’s that this team comes together at the right time. Led by senior guard Angel Rodriguez with 24 points and three three-balls, the team started slow before coming back with a vengeance. Five players finished the game with double digit point totals, while Kamari Murphy and Devon Reed also ended the night with triple-doubles.
Despite the win and the fancy stats, the Bulls controlled most of the first half, narrowly trailing by two at the break. If the Canes sit back again to start this game, they’re done. Wichita State led the six-seed Wildcats by 12 and have tied or led teams at the break throughout each of their last five games dating back to February.
Rebound and clock control will be huge for Miami. Without it, they could be in for a long night, and maybe a quick end to their tournament.
Miami is 5-5 ATS in their last ten games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Hurricanes shock the Shockers (so original) 79-70 and advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
