Coral Gables, FL.- This week (Week of December 2), college basketball was captivated with the annual SEC v ACC tournament, which features head to head matchups between both conference’s top dogs.
Tonight, The 3-5 Miami Hurricanes hosted the 5-2 Arkansas Razorbacks in an absolute thrilling affair. The Razorbacks entered tonight’s contest still looking for that statement win against a contenting opponent, after dropping an early season matchup vs Baylor, and losing to Illinois last Thursday. The same can be said for the Hurricanes, who are amidst a 4 game losing streak following a 0-3 showing in the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic, and losing to Charleston Southern Saturday afternoon.
Early in tonight’s game, Miami took a quick 9-3 lead over the Razorbacks from a Lynn Kidd skyhook, while Nijel Pack and Austin Swartz drained two deep threes (15:09 1st). The Hogs would fight back by the first media timeout (12:31 1st), as Jonas Adioo slammed down two dunks and Boogie Fland knocked down a transition three. From there, the ‘Canes rotational pieces began sniping, as Matthew Cleavland drove for two tough buckets and Jalen Blackmon sank two deep three balls, the ‘Backs responded with two dunks from Travon Brazile, bringing the score 21-15 (9:02 1st).
As the half continued, both teams traded offensive haymakers. Pack sank triples for the ‘Canes, Arkansas responded with a jab combo of a three point play by Adou Thiero and a deep three from Boogie Fland. (5:54 1st) (23-28 Miami).
The remainder of the half flew by as Miami began pilling onto their lead. Cleavland came away with two very nice buckets, Swartz rained on another three ball and a second chance tip in from Pack. As the halftime buzzer sounded, Miami led Arkansas 40-32.
Early into the second half, Arkansas started letting the three ball fly. Within the first minute and a half (18:42 2nd), both DJ Wagner and Johnell Davis sank deep contested trips. Miami responded with a three of their own from Nijel Pack, and another hook shot from Lynn Kidd.
In the early stages of the second half the ‘Canes just kept applying pressure, maintaining a seven to eight point lead at all times. Just over 14 minutes remaining to play, the strategy began to stall out, as DJ Wagner and Zvonimir Ivisic both knocked down two threes, bringing things to 49-47. Once again, the offensive haymakers began flying, as Cleavland threw down a nasty put back dunk over two defenders, and Brandon Johnson tallied another slam. (12:01 2nd).
Following the TV timeout, Arkansas’ Fland immediately drilled a deep three, and Billy Richmond set in a tipped layup, bringing things to a one point game (55-54.) Miami would go on another much needed scoring run, before Arkansas eventually overtook them at the 1:47 mark. As the final minute and a half wound down, the pressure was high but ultimately the ‘Canes fell up short, losing 76-73.
Box Score:
Arkansas:
Boogie Fland- 18 Points, 6 Assists
DJ Wagner- 14 Points, 5 Assists
Johnell Davis- 12 Points, 5 Rebounds
Miami:
Nijel Pack- 22 Points, 6 Rebounds, 6 Assists
Matthew Cleavland- 15 Points, 10 Rebounds
Jalen Blackmon- 12 Points
Miami falls to 3-5 on the season, claiming the bottom spot in ACC standings. The ‘Canes will begin conference play this Saturday, December 7th where they will host the Clemson Tigers. Tip off is slated for 12:00 P.M. EST.
