The first week of the 26-27 college basketball season is in the books for the Miami Hurricanes. During opening night against the top-ranked team ranked in the nation, the Florida Gators, Miami fell 77-67. A few days later, the Hurricanes would host the Wagner Seahawks and obliterate Wagner 83-57. Monday night will see Miami’s third matchup of the year against the North Florida Ospreys, who, like the Hurricanes, come into Monday’s game at 1-1.
After finishing with seven points on two-of-13 shooting against Florida, Shelton Henderson dropped 19 points, shooting eight for 12 from the floor. During the first half against Wagner, it was clear the Hurricanes were not in their flow; however, a 49-point second half showcased Miami’s dominance. The Hurricanes’ 27 points off the bench were also a big reason for the blowout win. Brent Bland finished with nine points in 14 minutes, and Dante Allen had eight points in 18 minutes. This Miami team is still trying to find ways to click with one another and make the game easier for everyone. That may not have been the case against Florida or during the first half against Wagner, yet the second half against the Seahawks seemed promising enough that this Hurricanes team has a legitimate shot at fighting for an ACC Championship.
On Tuesday, November 3rd, North Florida would pick up their first win of the season against the California Baptist Lancers 71-63. Friday night would see the Ospreys get demolished by 51 points against UCLA, 114-63. Kent Jackson has been North Florida’s scorer through the first two games of the season, dropping 15 against California Baptist and 11 against UCLA. Hedrens Bartelus has also been a consistent part of the Ospreys’ bench. North Florida severely struggled against a 22-ranked UCLA; facing a 14th-ranked Miami team won’t be an easy feat.
Miami’s play needs to be more cohesive and make the game easier for everyone heading into their third game of the season. Head coach Jai Lucas has stressed he wants to see his team record more than 20 assists a game while committing fewer than 10 turnovers a night. Lucas continues to be a voice on the sidelines that motivates his team through the entire 40 minutes. That is why North Florida must strive for perfection in this game, especially after being embarrassed by UCLA. A few simple mistakes by the Ospreys could make this game a blowout quicker than expected.
The Hurricanes should have another dominating win here. After scoring 24 in the loss to Florida, Acaden Lewis scored just five points against Wagner. Lewis’ play, regardless of whether he’s scoring or dishing out the ball, will help Miami coast to another win. North Florida will be in for a long night, as I believe they’ll be dominated once again against the Hurricanes in a 90-45 matchup.
