Canes Rebound vs Penn

I have to be honest. I was worried about this team after it's loss to Winthrop. Not that the team was overrated or anything like that, though a loss to Penn certainly would have raised those thoughts. But after riding the momentum of a 12-0 start, I was concerned that a loss vs maybe the best team they've faced all year might derail the Hurricanes' confidence. I was even more concerned that a lack of confidence would be reflected in their performance heading into ACC play.

So seeing them struggle in the first half versus a woeful Penn team unnerved me a bit. Thankfully, Frank Haith got his team focused and they pulled away in the 2nd half to coast to an easy 88-62 victory. It was just a small win versus a bad team, but regaining that confidence is key heading into the upcoming matchup vs Georgia Tech.

Of interest in this game was the decision to start Dwayne Collins over Jimmy Graham. Collins responded well with 18 and 12, his best game of the season. In addition, Brian Asbury continued his hot shooting from the 3 point line and added 22 points and 4 assists.

Jack McClinton had an average game and missed too many 3 pointers, but he has been a star for us this season. The good thing about these blowouts is that it provides the young guys a chance to grow into their roles on the court. Eddie Rios for one made use of his 17 minutes with 3 3's and 4 assists.

Overall, it was a positive result to the last nonconference game of the season. It might lead to another top 25 ranking (the Canes are 26th and 27th in the polls) if other teams lose. Sadly, the loss to Winthrop dropped Miami from 1st to 56th in the RPI poll.