Final Four vs. UCONN - 4/1 8:49pm EDT on CBS

[GladeCane]

I mean… literally no. Houston’s net defensive efficiency metric is better.

But y’all are a great team like Houston and Texas and we probably have no shot so I hope we just get lucky.

**** Kenpom!

The only stats that are important? What happens when you take away the three like Texas did? Miam's starters shoot 63% inside. When you take away the inside? Miami's starters shoot 47% from the outside.

 

[GladeCane]

UConn by every metric is indeed better than the last 2 teams you faced

Didn't realize UCONN was seeded higher then #1 Texas and #2 Houston?

 

[AmherstCane]

Ugh...how come every game this tourney somebody has to chime in on how the other team is better? They aren't. This team is just as good and turns out better than many of the teams that were supposed to be better. F UConn. Miami is on a mission and has the best coach left in the tourney. It's UConn fans that should be filling their message boards with concern, not ours. LETS GO CANES!!!!!

DON’T PICK US!!!

 

[YUMU]

Our team has big COJONES! and that is very important.

We just need Omier not to get in foul trouble and we will be in the game

Texas game note - every ball bounce went Texas way, every bad non reviewable call went Texas way and we could not hit the 3 (few opportunities) even wide open.

All thse three variables can go our way vs UConn

 

[nobeastofburden]

When we were in the Big East UCONN was basically unbeatable. A great tradition and a great fan base. They haven’t been the storied program for a time now but they have come roaring back. This UCONN team is amazingly good.
To me this is perfect set up as pundits will all be interested and will respect what looks to be a great team. I think pundits have learned about this Miami team and now respect what we bring to the table as well.

We were the better team when they won their first title ever in 99, they didn't want to see us in the tourney, I know that 100%. I haven't forgotten. Payback this year.

 

[GladeCane]

No doubt UCONN is playing well right now.

Why does Miami win? A coach who knows how to make adjustments and players who are very good at implementing those adjustments. Also, Miami plays very smart ball. Look at Miller's dunk on the in bounds and Wooga's dunk on an assisst from the Texas player's back on an in bounds. Both these plays were later in the game and helped fuel Miami's comeback and were demoralizing to Texas.

 

[ChoadCane]

Clingan is a difference maker for UConn. When he comes in to give Sanogo a breather, you could argue the team is better. He's very efficient offensively and defensively and for a 7ft2 guy runs the court extremely well. It's not uncommon to watch Andre toss him an alley on a fast break. The 2nd unit for UConn is less talented than the 1st (obviously) but are good not great shooters. Miami can take advantage here. No combination of Diarra, Calcaterra or Alleyne will prove difficult for Joseph or Poplar to defend. Making up any deficit that UConns starters cause will be paramount towards success. Walker needs to play well this game in his minutes. He absolutely has to play the defensive game of his life or Clingan will eat Miami alive.

Full disclosure folks. I'm actually a huge UConn fan. I was born in CT. I've loved the basketball team since 95 with Ray Allen. And I love Miami basketball since I became a fan of this entire program around 06. I'm truly torn. I wish this game was for the Natty. These are the 2 best teams in the entire tournament and it's a shame they have to meet before the final. I hope whoever wins is healthy and goes on to have that one shining moment. Lol. Enjoy the shoe should be a great game

 

[hotshot]

UConn fan here! Congratulations! Your team reminds me slightly of the 2014 UConn national championship team(2 grear guards, nails from the free throw line, great role players). Should be a fun game.

Just to respond to a couple of things I’ve seen here:

1. Doubling Sanogo workerd wonderful for opposing teams last season and earlier in the year. I wouldn’t count on it working now. Gonzaga attempted to double sanogo the last game and he ended up with a career high 6 assist. He’s passing out of the double team now and finding open cutters and shooters. Primarily Andre Jackson who sits in the dunkers spot every time sanogo is going one on one in the post.

2. Someone said you have to lock down Jordan Hawkins….and he is correct. If you don’t lock him down this one will be over fast. He’s a sniper and just like roaches when you see him make one, there’s a bunch more coming.

3. UConn has quality and depth at every position. Outside of 3 guys(Clingan, Diarra, Jackson) everyone is a threat from 3(yes even Sanogo). Hawkins, Calcaterra, Karaban, Alleyne, and Newton are our shooters. And in transition with Jackson being the facilitator we are deadly. You will have to find shooters in transition or the game will get away from you fast.

You win if:

1. UConn goes cold. It’s happened this season before. UConn is an energy team and when one or two guys go cold sometimes it infects the whole team. In our January stretch where we struggled Alleyne, Calcaterra, Newton, and even Hawkins all struggled to make shots. It snowballed mentally and took us a while to regain our confidence. Now, all of those guys are EXTREMELY confident. So I wouldn’t bet on all having a cold night. BUT it’s possible and that’d be a pathway to a victory for you guys.

2. Full court press the **** out of us. We’ve struggled all year a consistently breaking a full court press. And Newton has struggled with handling pressure. In the tournament you can see this in the second half against Arkansas. A way we combat this is with Andre Jackson. He’s a brilliant passer and a 1 man press break. Which leads me to my next pathway,

3. Get Andre Jackson in foul trouble. He is the head of the snake. He doesn’t shoot a lot but he is the heart, soul, and balls of this team. You take him out of the game and the playing field levels considerably.

When Jackson is doing his thing, our shooters are knocking down shots, and Sanogo is Sanogoing we are pretty hard to beat. We’re 15-0 outside of the big east with our average margin of victory at 21. With that being said UConn fans are very well aware of what 2 talented guards like Pack and Wong can do on a big stage(Kemba/Lamb, Shabazz/Boatright) and we are by no means taking you lightly. It will be a war. And we are expecting Miami to present us our first real challenge of the tournament. It’s the final 4. And we all deserve to be here. May the best team win.

And I’ll say this. I’ve watched a ton of the top teams this season. And UConn at its best is something you haven’t seen yet…

P.S. we’re coming for revenge Mr. Laranaga. We haven’t forgotten George Mason.

Thanks. I've seen UConn a dozen or more times on TV this year and they were my pick back in November to go all the way. My main concern in this upcoming game is Sanogo AND Clingan. Hard to envision how Omier at 6'7, 250 can avoid foul trouble with those two down low. One a bruiser, and the other (Cling Kong) a skyscraper. Have to hope Coach L can figure that one out. If anyone can, it's him.

Omier has done a terrific job of avoiding foul trouble in the OOC and ACC portions of UMs season. But ... tbh, he wasn't up against UConn's height and length found in those two. He's Miami's MVP, despite Pack, Miller and Wong getting more publicity. He's reminiscent of NBA HoFer Wes Unseld (if you're old enough for that comparison). He's the one player who can't be replaced.

Drake, IU, Houston and Texas weren't chopped liver on defense. Good prep for UConn-quality defense.

Side question: I recall how UConn fans absolutely reviled Gary Williams at BC and later at Maryland for his manic behavior on the sidelines. They mocked his profuse sweating, crazed expressions, etc. How is that squared now with a HC, Danny Hurley, who makes Williams look calm and sane? Selective memory I guess?

 

[MiamisMoperiestMopes]

I mean this really is the championship game, is it not?

No.

 

[nobeastofburden]

Clingan is a difference maker for UConn. When he comes in to give Sanogo a breather, you could argue the team is better. He's very efficient offensively and defensively and for a 7ft2 guy runs the court extremely well. It's not uncommon to watch Andre toss him an alley on a fast break. The 2nd unit for UConn is less talented than the 1st (obviously) but are good not great shooters. Miami can take advantage here. No combination of Diarra, Calcaterra or Alleyne will prove difficult for Joseph or Poplar to defend. Making up any deficit that UConns starters cause will be paramount towards success. Walker needs to play well this game in his minutes. He absolutely has to play the defensive game of his life or Clingan will eat Miami alive.

Full disclosure folks. I'm actually a huge UConn fan. I was born in CT. I've loved the basketball team since 95 with Ray Allen. And I love Miami basketball since I became a fan of this entire program around 06. I'm truly torn. I wish this game was for the Natty. These are the 2 best teams in the entire tournament and it's a shame they have to meet before the final. I hope whoever wins is healthy and goes on to have that one shining moment. Lol. Enjoy the shoe should be a great game

You get no breather at all when he comes in. That makes them very dangerous.

 

[Notsince1985]

Have any UConn fans shown up?

F-ck Rip Hamilton

 

[Pentagon Cane]

We’re the one of the best 3 point defense team in the country. We do that to almost everyone. Also 6 of those 8 loses game in a 3 week stretch. That is not the UConn team you’ll be facing on Saturday

We have lost 2 games since January 28th, one without Pack and the other without Omier. We win both if they play.

We heard similar arguments from UH and UT fans.

Don't pick us!

 

[nobeastofburden]

Thanks. I've seen UConn a dozen or more times on TV this year and they were my pick back in November to go all the way. My main concern in this upcoming game is Sanogo AND Clingan. Hard to envision how Omier at 6'7, 250 can avoid foul trouble with those two down low. One a bruiser, and the other (Cling Kong) a skyscraper. Have to hope Coach L can figure that one out. If anyone can, it's him.

Omier has done a terrific job of avoiding foul trouble in the OOC and ACC portions of UMs season. But ... tbh, he wasn't up against UConn's height and length found in those two. He's Miami's MVP, despite Pack, Miller and Wong getting more publicity. He's reminiscent of NBA HoFer Wes Unseld (if you're old enough for that comparison). He's the one player who can't be replaced.

Drake, IU, Houston and Texas weren't chopped liver on defense. Good prep for UConn-quality defense.

Side question: I recall how UConn fans absolutely reviled Gary Williams at BC and later at Maryland for his manic behavior on the sidelines. They mocked his profuse sweating, crazed expressions, etc. How is that squared now with a HC, Danny Hurley, who makes Williams look calm and sane? Selective memory I guess?

Pack the paint and play the odds on 3's. Hope we see similar to what happened with Texas, they just stop falling. Basically the 3rd game in a row where if they shoot really well from 3 gonna be **** to beat. Need an off shooting night from Newton and Hawkins. I have seen that happen a few times, need it in our game.

 

[ADELPHI]

How did Marquette beat UConn twice? Perhaps we can study that blueprint

 

[skyman]

Pack the paint and play the odds on 3's. Hope we see similar to what happened with Texas, they just stop falling. Basically the 3rd game in a row where if they shoot really well from 3 gonna be **** to beat. Need an off shooting night from Newton and Hawkins. I have seen that happen a few times, need it in our game.

They have multiple knock down shooters tho, like reallllly good.. and they have shot incredible lately.. its not just two guys

 

[nobeastofburden]

They have multiple knock down shooters tho, like reallllly good.. and they have shot incredible lately.. its not just two guys

They are a deep solid team. I have seen all their guards (starters) go cold though, particularly game they lost at Marquette. Texas bench hit 5 3's in 1st half against us, the starters went cold though in the 2nd half so I'll take my chances with the back ups.

 

[caneworld]

Miami has been thirsty for the big stage, we’ll show out, Students are eager to go too. UConn’s fanbase shows up too, will be an ELECTRIC CROWD. I’ll be in Houston to see this team, GO CANES

They might have to move it to the Texans NRG stadium

 

[DerpaDerp]

Clingan is a difference maker for UConn. When he comes in to give Sanogo a breather, you could argue the team is better. He's very efficient offensively and defensively and for a 7ft2 guy runs the court extremely well. It's not uncommon to watch Andre toss him an alley on a fast break. The 2nd unit for UConn is less talented than the 1st (obviously) but are good not great shooters. Miami can take advantage here. No combination of Diarra, Calcaterra or Alleyne will prove difficult for Joseph or Poplar to defend. Making up any deficit that UConns starters cause will be paramount towards success. Walker needs to play well this game in his minutes. He absolutely has to play the defensive game of his life or Clingan will eat Miami alive.

Full disclosure folks. I'm actually a huge UConn fan. I was born in CT. I've loved the basketball team since 95 with Ray Allen. And I love Miami basketball since I became a fan of this entire program around 06. I'm truly torn. I wish this game was for the Natty. These are the 2 best teams in the entire tournament and it's a shame they have to meet before the final. I hope whoever wins is healthy and goes on to have that one shining moment. Lol. Enjoy the shoe should be a great game

I've started to dissect your unstoppable force basketball team, (I"d prefer you **** off being a canes football fan and traitor to the rest of the sports, but that's me)
Let's go with one game:
vs St John's L85-74

In the playback: The SJ loss is remarkable because SJ's ran on them every chance they got.
Further, I was surprised at this stat:
Total Turnovers
SJU 10
CONN 21
Rebounds
SJU 31
UCONN 40
Furthermore, Clingan and Diarra had 4 points in that game between them. All Game. Clingan had 0 of that. Remind me again of how they are better when he's on the court? They lost 3 in a row at one point this season.

They lost to Marquette TWICE.

Not scared of the "they are bigger arguments" I heard the same **** twice in the last week. First it was Houston. Best defense in basketball right now. tell me how that worked out for them? Texas: "They play far better defense than Miami is used to and can easily stop their game and make them run plays which they don't do well"...except for 62% shooting...which is horrible really, they should have shot 70% save a couple bad misses.

Full disclosure, I am a huge Miami alum (1986) fan and I've followed the team since 1985. Most of the original guys on that squad were friends back then.

 

[caneworld]

Clingan is a difference maker for UConn. When he comes in to give Sanogo a breather, you could argue the team is better. He's very efficient offensively and defensively and for a 7ft2 guy runs the court extremely well. It's not uncommon to watch Andre toss him an alley on a fast break. The 2nd unit for UConn is less talented than the 1st (obviously) but are good not great shooters. Miami can take advantage here. No combination of Diarra, Calcaterra or Alleyne will prove difficult for Joseph or Poplar to defend. Making up any deficit that UConns starters cause will be paramount towards success. Walker needs to play well this game in his minutes. He absolutely has to play the defensive game of his life or Clingan will eat Miami alive.

Full disclosure folks. I'm actually a huge UConn fan. I was born in CT. I've loved the basketball team since 95 with Ray Allen. And I love Miami basketball since I became a fan of this entire program around 06. I'm truly torn. I wish this game was for the Natty. These are the 2 best teams in the entire tournament and it's a shame they have to meet before the final. I hope whoever wins is healthy and goes on to have that one shining moment. Lol. Enjoy the shoe should be a great game

We might have to hack-a-Shaq the Klingon dude with Aire and Walker going at him offensively and double teaming him defensively... can't afford to lose Omeir to foul trouble..

 

[ChoadCane]

I've started to dissect your unstoppable force basketball team, (I"d prefer you **** off being a canes football fan and traitor to the rest of the sports, but that's me)
Let's go with one game:
vs St John's L85-74

In the playback: The SJ loss is remarkable because SJ's ran on them every chance they got.
Further, I was surprised at this stat:
Total Turnovers
SJU 10
CONN 21
Rebounds
SJU 31
UCONN 40
Furthermore, Clingan and Diarra had 4 points in that game between them. All Game. Clingan had 0 of that. Remind me again of how they are better when he's on the court? They lost 3 in a row at one point this season.

They lost to Marquette TWICE.

Not scared of the "they are bigger arguments" I heard the same **** twice in the last week. First it was Houston. Best defense in basketball right now. tell me how that worked out for them? Texas: "They play far better defense than Miami is used to and can easily stop their game and make them run plays which they don't do well"...except for 62% shooting...which is horrible really, they should have shot 70% save a couple bad misses.

Full disclosure, I am a huge Miami alum (1986) fan and I've followed the team since 1985. Most of the original guys on that squad were friends back then.

UConn has lost 8 games, obviously they can be beaten. St John's they shot poorly iirc. The Marquette games are interesting. Marquette plays 4 guards and an Omier sized big and that gave UConn fits defensively. Having the guards drive to the basket is a formula for success against UConn.

And honestly I'm getting tired of being a Canes fan. I find the ******** in this fanbase like you unbearable.