Canes Down Stanford 67-53, Face #21 Iowa St. Next

Canes Down Stanford 67-53, Face #21 Iowa St. Next

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Coming into today’s game, the Hurricanes had yet to be challenged by a major conference opponent and all eyes were on Coach L and the Canes to see how they responded to the challenge. The results were mixed, as the Canes pulled away late to defeat Stanford 67-53. Here's what we learned:

Rashad Muhammad won’t be taking anyone’s minutes

Before the season, many questions surrounded the San Jose State transfer’s effort and commitment to the program. Those questions only intensified when before the season, Coach L suspended the redshirt junior forward for 3 games. Today, all questions regarding Muhammad were put to rest as he was dismissed from the team for “failure to meet team expectations.” Though we're sure it’s not the result that the coaching staff envisioned, as a fan the prospect of who Coach L might be able to recruit with the newly opened scholarship spot is exciting, especially given Muhammad's expected contribution was minimal.

This team has flaws

In the first half, the Canes came out flat, Davon Reed struggled to hit his shot (0-5 in the first 20 minutes) and defensively Miami was consistently exposed by good Stanford ball movement. Fortunately, Stanford struggled somewhat from 3-point land and was unable to capitalize on the good looks they earned, but future opponents could make the Canes pay.

As the season progresses, expect this team to get better early in games, particularly as the freshmen coming off the bench get better and become more comfortable in the offense.

Ja'Quan Newton (and Amp Lawrence) made a statement

Last season, Ja'Quan Newton was a strong player and a consistent offensive force for the Canes as sixth man, averaging 10 PPG and 2 AST. This season he has emerged as the team's leader and has filled (at least in part) the gap left by the departures of Sheldon McClellan and Angel Rodriguez by averaging 17 PPG and 3.5 AST. Tonight, he was the team’s leading scorer, dropping 20 on 7 of 14 from the field, a career high for Newton. Newton was also largely able to avoid making any key mistakes (only one turnover), two things that will be hugely important as we approach ACC play.

Amp Lawrence came alive in the second half and spurred the Canes run that eventually led to the victory. The sophomore finished with 18 points on 6 of 9 shooting (3 for 6 from 3PT), also a career high.

Up Next

Miami moves on to the semifinals of the Advocare Invitational to take on #21 Iowa State bright and early on Friday at 11am. Iowa State narrowly defeated Indiana State 73-71 on Thursday. The Cyclones are led by senior guards Monte Morris (18.7 PPG) and Nazareth Mitrou-Long (17.3 PPG). Iowa State will be a tough test for a young Canes team facing their first ranked team of the season. Fire up the microwave, get those Thanksgiving leftovers ready, and join us for tomorrow morning's matchup.

How to Watch

When: Friday, November 25 at 11:00am
TV: ESPN2
Stream: WatchESPN.com
Radio: 560 WQAM
Tweets: @HardwoodU
 

Comments (14)

We are their first competition as well, this is a good chance to see who we are as a team, should be a good game.
 
Though we're sure it’s not the result that the coaching staff envisioned, as a fan the prospect of who Coach L might be able to recruit with the newly opened scholarship spot is exciting, especially given Muhammad's expected contribution was minimal.

Any thoughts of the potential recruits that could fill that slot? Last I saw, Knox only had four officials set. I know it's not likely, but Coach L has overcome greater odds before.
 
In looking at the stat sheet for the Stanford game, I noticed that Bruce Brown had 0 turnovers. This got me looking at the four-game season stats. At this point, Bruce is second on the team in rebounds, second in steals, second in assists, and has 10 assists to only 2 turnovers.
 
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In looking at the stat sheet for the Stanford game, I noticed that Bruce Brown had 0 turnovers. This got me looking at the four-game season stats. At this point, Bruce is second on the team in rebounds, second in steals, second in assists, and has 10 assists to only 2 turnovers.

Is that good.
 
What about moving Brown to PG, Newton to SG, Reed to SF, Murphy/Lawrence to PF, and Huell the other PF?
 
I really think Lawrence will need to play the 4 as this season progresses.

Murphy and Izundu on the floor at the same time is a mess offensively.
 
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Newton is struggling as a distributor in regards to assist vs. TO ratio.
 
Newton had a bad game overall. terrific player. bad point guard. 1 assist, pathetic. continually missed Miami front line when they had post up advantage.
 
Wondering if Izundu is healthy

Not that it would make a big difference
 
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