Redemption calls for the Miami Hurricanes. Can they upset No. 10 Virginia Cavaliers after a near-miss, or will the they dominate again? Tune in.
The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball squad advanced to the ACC Tournament Semifinals for the sixth time in program history. After securing a hard-fought 78–73 victory over the No. 24 Louisville Cardinals, the team has an opportunity to pull off another upset, this time against the No. 10 Virginia Cavaliers on Friday night. The previous matchup between them was Feb. 21, a game that went down to the wire.
However, the Hurricanes fell short in an 86–83 loss due to senior guard Tre Donaldson committing a costly foul. A chance of redemption presents itself. Here’s some important information before the game.
- How to watch
TV Channel: ESPN2
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Injury report
The Hurricanes only have sophomore forward Marcus Allen (non-Hodgkin lymphoma; out for season) and freshman guard Treyvon Maddox (undisclosed) listed as out. Freshman forward Timotej Malovec (back tightness) isn’t listed, despite being a game-time decision in Thursday’s game against the Cardinals. He played four total minutes, attempted a corner three-pointer and missed, and didn’t appear comfortable playing.
It will be interesting whether or not coach Jai Lucas decides to keep him in the rotation.
Regarding another freshman, Shelton Henderson is not on the injury report. He appeared to suffer an ankle injury in Thursday’s game against the Cardinals. The 19-year-old managed to finish the game, recording nine points on 50 percent shooting, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal, and three blocks in 31 minutes.
Similar situation for senior center Ernest Udeh Jr., who was hobbling in the second half, but still finished the game and isn’t on the injury report. The 22-year-old recorded seven points, nine rebounds on 75 percent shooting, three blocks, and a steal in 35 minutes. He’s been the Hurricanes’ defensive anchor all season and a key piece to the starting lineup.
The Cavaliers listed redshirt sophomore Carter Lang as out (undisclosed) and freshman center Johann Gruenloh as a game-time decision (wrist).
- Game notes
In the previous matchup, a couple of Cavalier reserves ignited. Redshirt senior Jacari White scored 17 points on 66.7 percent shooting, making five of eight three-pointers. He has the highest three-point percentage on the team. The Hurricanes need to make sure White doesn’t get open looks and run him off from behind the arc. Alongside White was freshman guard Chance Mallory, who recorded 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in 21 minutes. He finished with a team-high +11. Despite being listed at 5-10, Mallory uses his quickness to get by defenders and score at the rim. The Hurricanes have size, but need to stay in front of him to prevent a similar performance.
Despite combining for 38 points, All-ACC seniors Donaldson and Malik Reneau didn’t have complete games against the Cardinals. They will have opportunities to step up and finish on a stronger note. Donaldson didn’t make a field goal in the second half on Thursday and Reneau was in some foul trouble.
The Cavaliers are among the best ACC three-point shooting teams; meanwhile, the Hurricanes are in the middle of the pack. The difference in efficiency could be the biggest difference-maker of Friday’s matchup.
A showdown should be expected.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: