Categories: Uncategorized

Not quite ready to talk basketball, but…

… 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.

Comments

comments

C. Bello

Longtime Miami Hurricanes columnist. Wrote for CanesTime.com, Yahoo! Sports and former BleacherReport featured columnist. Founder of allCanesBlog.com no longer toeing any company line. Launched ItsAUThing.com to deliver a raw, unfiltered and authentic perspective of all things "The U".

Recent Posts

OFFENSE CAN’T SAVE MIAMI HURRICANES’ POROUS DEFENSE AT GEORGIA TECH

When you dance with the devil enough, the devil doesn't change—you do. The slow-start offense…

2 weeks ago

MIAMI HURRICANES LAST ONES STANDING IN SHOOTOUT WITH LOUISVILLE CARDINALS

The Miami Hurricanes won a spirited shootout against the Louisville Cardinals this past Saturday afternoon…

1 month ago

MIAMI HURRICANES OVERCOME 25-POINT DEFICIT; CLAW BACK AGAINST CAL BEARS

"Are you not entertained?!?" Impossible to not channel the legendary Maximus Decimus Meridius in the…

1 month ago

‘U’ PREVIEW: MIAMI HURRICANES HEAD WEST TO BATTLE CAL BEARS

The Miami Hurricanes are off to Berkeley, California for a rare west coast road trip…

2 months ago

WARTS EXPOSED IN MIAMI HURRICANES GRITTY WIN OVER VIRGINIA TECH

Miami survived Virginia Tech in a backyard brawl Friday night at HardRock and the only…

2 months ago

MIAMI HURRICANES DISMANTLE SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS IN SUNSHINE STATE SHOWDOWN

The Miami Hurricanes blew through Raymond James Stadium and delivered the kind of total-package, hit-on-all-cylinders…

2 months ago