Miami might be forgiven if it seems that it is eager to get out of Charleston, S.C.
After all, the Hurricanes (3-2) have dropped two straight games at the Shriner Children’s Charleston Classic. They will hope to salvage at least one win when they challenge VCU on Sunday afternoon.
Barely tested in three blowout wins against overmatched foes, Miami hit a wall against Drake in its tournament opener on Thursday, losing 80-69. In the consolation bracket Friday, the Hurricanes followed that up with a clunker against Oklahoma State in an 80-74 defeat.
Miami came out flat against the Cowboys, falling behind 9-0 in the first four minutes and trailing 43-27 at the half. The Hurricanes did not get within single digits until Matthew Cleveland converted a three-point play with 49 seconds remaining in the second half.
Cleveland finished with 11 points to go along with 20 from Nijel Pack, as Miami’s starters combined to score 60 points. However, the rest of the team managed just five made field goals in getting outscored 38-14 by the Oklahoma State reserves.
Miami allowed the Cowboys to shoot 47.4 percent from the floor, including 45.5 percent from 3-point range.
“(Defensive intensity) is a major concern for us,” Miami head coach Jim Larranaga said Tuesday.
VCU (4-2) can relate to Miami’s current plight. The Rams won their first four games of the season before losing both games thus far in Charleston. They dropped a 69-66 decision in overtime to Seton Hall on Thursday and a 64-61 setback to Nevada on Friday.
In contrast to the Hurricanes, the Rams might be able to take some solace in knowing they’re still close on the scoreboard. Guard Max Shulga has sparked the offense in defeat, scoring 20 points Thursday before cashing in 17 on Friday.
“We just had too many breakdowns,” Shulga said about Friday’s loss.
VCU is looking for its second win in six outings in the Charleston Classic, while Miami, a four-time participant, has won the tournament on two occasions.
–Field Level Media
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