… but how can I not comment on the Miami Hurricanes’ 73-68 loss to Ohio State last night? Sweet Lord, can’t we let a contest between these two programs end with something other than marred in controversy?
For those who missed it, Miami point guard Jack McClinton was on fire early; 4-of-4 beyond the arc for 12 points.
With 10:12 in the first half and a 19-7 Canes lead, McClinton got the boot for taking a swipe at Buckeyes guard Anthony Crater. OSU coach Thad Motta made a stink, the officials congregated in front of the scorers table and moments later McClinton got the heave-ho.
Upon further review, Crater got a shot at McClinton moments before, which prompted the retaliaton. Of course in the world of sports, he who gets caught is the guilty party. While McClinton’s frustration is understandable, the reaction cost his team a win.
Miami hung on for a while, sitting on a 36-22 halftime lead, but Ohio State chipped away. With 7:28 left in the contest, the Buckeyes finally tied the game, 54-54 and took their first lead moments later after a Jeremie Simmons three-pointer. The Canes never led again.
Brian Astbury made back-to-back free throws in the final minute, bringing the Canes to within one, but sloppy play down the stretch thwarted out any shot at a comeback.
In the final four minutes, Miami missed seven of their final nine shots from the field. Lance Hurdle played in desperation mode, missing three straight three-point attempts when two and good defense would’ve kept the Canes alive.
Safe to say Miami probably won’t see too many more games where their star guard gets the boot and the team blows a 14-point halftime lead.
That said, a lesson needs to be learned in what should’ve been a gimmie out of conference game as the Canes were the better team and had homecourt advantage over a squad that rarely leaves Columbus.
If this team is going to make any noise in the ACC and in the postseason, McClinton needs to keep his cool and other role players absolutely have to step up. Miami should’ve been able to beat Ohio State with a then 12-point lead when McClinton was ejected.
Decent shooting down the stretch and average defense gives the Canes a double-digit win. Miami had neither.
No time to feel sorry for themselves or to waste time licking wounds as the Canes head to Rupp Arena on Saturday for a showdown with Kentucky. No news yet regarding McClinton’s presences and if the ACC will suspend him an additional game for a boneheaded act. Stay tuned.