Canes pummeled by Gators; season over

The Jack McClinton era is officially over at the University of Miami and the search for a replacement starts next season. The Canes underachieved their way to a NIT bid, after starting 2008 with a high preseason ranking and loads of optimism.

After falling in the second round of last year’s NCAA tourney, Miami set its sights on taking things further in 2009, thanks to a senior-heavy, veteran squad. Instead, a second round NIT beatdown at the hands of its most bitter rival.

I’ve ranted and raved enough about this team the past few weeks and don’t want to dedicate too much time to a 74-6o thumping by Florida. It’s the NIT, the season is over and there’s nothing more to say. This game was a microcosm of the entire disappointing season.

Another slow start, Miami found itself down 20-2 and out of it before its first time out, at the 11:36 mark. McClinton was  3-of-9 from beyond the arc and 5-of-12 in field goals made, en route to a disappointing 13-point performance.

Dwayne Collins poured in a respectable 21 and was the only other Cane in double digits. Lance Hurdle and Brian Asbury were good for five a piece, while Cyrus McGowan was scoreless. Miami mustered up 20 points from its bench, but again another all around poor shooting performance. The Canes missed their first ten shots of the night. 

After a solid win at Providence earlier this week, Miami simply no showed against Florida – something that’s completely inexcusable. Bad enough this took place in the second round of the post season (with a veteran team), but how can you not get up for a game against the Gators?

Frank Haith and staff need to right this ship and have the entire off-season to do so.

One final farewell to Jack McClinton. You deserved better this year and your time spent as The U was special for everyone who watched. So disappointing to see the ACC’s best all time three-point shooter go out like this… especially on a night where his former Siena teammates were celebrating a double overtime win against Ohio State in the NCAA tourney.

Best of luck at the next level #33.

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