Penalties Galore
Recruit
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2011
- Messages
- 92
While most fans didn't realize we had a legit Final Four team before the Duke game, I'd like to take a second to remember some of the bigger wins we've had this season prior to national media took over our wagon...
1. Nov 28 v Michigan State
While most are quick to point to the Duke game as the biggest win Coach L has at Miami, this is a very close second. I wasn't sure it was going to happen after that first half either. The Canes looked awful and were getting out rebounded and looked to be over their heads physically. Coach L brought the team out ready in the 2nd half and the rest is history. This was truly a program-building victory, and I'm not sure we go on the road and beat UMASS a few days later without it.
2. Jan 2 v LaSalle
The state of Florida was focused on the Sugar Bowl and Louisville's thrashing of Florida, but Miami was in a dog fight with LaSalle. This is the first true game Miami was playing with ample time to prepare without Reggie in the middle, and it was also the only game left before the ACC slate. Miami looked sluggish in the first half again, but I point to the 2nd half of this game where Larkin really took the reins of this team. LaSalle entered relatively unknown but they have an impressive résumé and this was hardly a gimme.
3. Jan 16 at BC
I'm not sure the Canes beat Duke without escaping BC. Entering at 4-0 in ACC and at the brink of the Top 25, we needed every second to pull this out. From this point forward I think, the team realized they can win any game they play. Had they lost this I don't think the momentum to beat Duke would have been there. Billing the game v Duke while we were 5-0 in ACC and #25 in the nation did wonders to bring out fans.
The Duke and NCSU victories were huge, but like I said, these were just as big. Anyone else think differently? I also don't think Miami is where they are today without the Reggie injury. Kadji and Gamble both grew two feet in his absence and now we have one of the deepest interiors in America. It's been a great season and I can't wait for March!
1. Nov 28 v Michigan State
While most are quick to point to the Duke game as the biggest win Coach L has at Miami, this is a very close second. I wasn't sure it was going to happen after that first half either. The Canes looked awful and were getting out rebounded and looked to be over their heads physically. Coach L brought the team out ready in the 2nd half and the rest is history. This was truly a program-building victory, and I'm not sure we go on the road and beat UMASS a few days later without it.
2. Jan 2 v LaSalle
The state of Florida was focused on the Sugar Bowl and Louisville's thrashing of Florida, but Miami was in a dog fight with LaSalle. This is the first true game Miami was playing with ample time to prepare without Reggie in the middle, and it was also the only game left before the ACC slate. Miami looked sluggish in the first half again, but I point to the 2nd half of this game where Larkin really took the reins of this team. LaSalle entered relatively unknown but they have an impressive résumé and this was hardly a gimme.
3. Jan 16 at BC
I'm not sure the Canes beat Duke without escaping BC. Entering at 4-0 in ACC and at the brink of the Top 25, we needed every second to pull this out. From this point forward I think, the team realized they can win any game they play. Had they lost this I don't think the momentum to beat Duke would have been there. Billing the game v Duke while we were 5-0 in ACC and #25 in the nation did wonders to bring out fans.
The Duke and NCSU victories were huge, but like I said, these were just as big. Anyone else think differently? I also don't think Miami is where they are today without the Reggie injury. Kadji and Gamble both grew two feet in his absence and now we have one of the deepest interiors in America. It's been a great season and I can't wait for March!
