On Friday, November 13th, the Miami Hurricanes played flawless basketball in an incredible 42-point win over the North Alabama Lions. Miami has won three straight games after losing their opening matchup to the top team in the nation, the Florida Gators. The Hurricanes broke a school record by draining 20 three-pointers, and it seemed like the team was coming together after some sloppy play in their last few outings. They’ll now prepare to try to win a fourth consecutive game as Miami will host the Rider Broncos on Tuesday night.
In 20 minutes off the bench, Brent Bland drained eight threes, finishing with 26 points. Nick Dorn dropped 18 points off six three-pointers. Shelton Henderson finished with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Miami shot 49 percent from the floor, 43 percent from beyond the arc, and out-rebounded North Alabama by 15. The Hurricanes had 20 of their points off turnovers and once led the game by a whopping 47 points. Now, Miami will go up against a Rider team that lost its first three games but defeated the William Paterson University Pioneers by 30 points.
Besides being blown out in their season debut against the Pittsburgh Panthers, the Broncos have kept it close in their losses to New Hampshire and Binghamton, falling by 11 and 12 points, respectively. Yet, Rider played their best brand of basketball against William Paterson, shooting 48 percent from the field, 44 percent from deep, and out-rebounding the Pioneers by 20. Senior guard Khalil Farmer and sophomore forward Rich Brisco have been the Broncos’ best players, averaging 12 points a piece through the team’s first four games. They must prepare for the physicality that Miami brings to the table.
The Hurricanes need to keep relying on one another’s game and let the offense come to them. Against North Alabama, Miami looked the best it has on the court thus far, and they need to continue the same consistency and energy they brought Friday afternoon. Rider must play their best brand of basketball, period. The Broncos must hit contested shots, out-rebound Miami, and wow the Hurricanes’ defense.
I am expecting another blowout win for Miami here. This team looked like they’ve played together for months after the whooping they gave the Lions Friday afternoon. Another blowout win for the Hurricanes can really bring together some momentum before they play a few ranked teams come December. I’m predicting a 90-60 win for Miami.
