Miami Men's Basketball Hosts Eastern Illinois
Dec. 17, 2000
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EASTERN ILLINOIS PANTHERS (6-2) vs. MIAMI HURRICANES (4-3)
Monday, December 18, 2000 — 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Miami Arena (15,388)
WAXY (790 AM), WACC (830 AM) in Spanish
TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:
Eastern Illinois enters tonight’s game with a record of 6-2 following an 86-80 win at Loyola (Chicago). The win marked the sixth straight for the Panthers. Eastern Illinois has not lost since an 85-71 loss at Nebraska on Nov. 21.
The Panthers have been led this season by its perimeter players. Leading the team in scoring is 6-4 forward Henry Domercant who is averaging 23.5 points per game. Domercant has shot a blistering 73-126 (.579) from the field including 19-37 (.514) from three-point range.
Guard Kyle Hill ranks second on the team in scoring (21.6) followed by guard Matt Britton (14.0). Britton’s assist to turnover ratio this season is 2-to-1 (36 assists, 18 turnovers).
THE SERIES:
Miami and Eastern Illinois meet for the third time with the all-time series tied 1-1. The two first met on March 7, 1949 in Kansas City, MO with the Panthers winning 89-73. Miami and Eastern Illinois last met on December 24, 1988 at the Chaminade Classic in Honolulu, HI. The Hurricanes won the last meeting 83-68.
UP NEXT:
Following tonight’s game the Hurricanes will continue its homestand against Memphis beginning at 7:30 p.m. on December 21 at Miami Arena.
The Hurricanes will conclude the calender year against Lehigh (Dec. 27) and Tennessee-Martin (Dec. 29). Both games will tip-off at 4 p.m. at Miami Arena.
UM opens its BIG EAST Conference schedule atPittsburgh on January 3. Miami’s BIG EAST home opener will take place January 7 at 2 p.m. at the Miami Arena against Boston College.
A WIN TONIGHT WOULD:
***Improve Miami’s record to 5-3.
***Mark the Hurricanes’ sixth consecutive win at Miami Arena.
***Improve Miami’s record to 44-13 (.772) against non-conference opponents at Miami Arena since joining the BIG EAST in 1991.
***Improve the Hurricanes’ all-time record at Miami Arena to 119-62 (.657)
LAST OUTING AGAINST NEBRASKA
Orange Bowl Basketball Classic
December 16, 2000
National Car Rental Center, Sunrise, FL
Steffon Bradford recorded a game-high 21 points and nine rebounds to lead the University of Nebraska to a 72-64 win over the University of Miami in the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic held at the National Car Rental Center in Sunrise, FL.
Bradford dominated in the paint connecting on 9-10 field goals. For the game the Cornhuskers outscored the Hurricanes 30-18 in the paint.
JohnSalmons led Miami with 14 points and six rebounds. Joe Gordon came off the bench to add 11 points in 17 minutes.
Nebraska, which trailed 30-28 at halftime, shot a blistering 15-25 (.600) from the field in the second half while holding UM to just 13-35 (.371) shooting after the break.
With the score tied 34-34 with 17:32 to play, Bradford scored eight points in a 13-4 run as Nebraska opened a 47-38 lead with 13:20 on the clock.
Miami continued to battle back and eventually cut the lead to 59-55 following two free throws by Leroy Hurd with 4:03 left to play. But that would be as close as the Hurricanes would get as Nebraska scored seven straight points to push the lead back to 11 with 2:03 to play.
Officials: Tim Higgins, Bob Donato, Larry Rose
Technical fouls: Nebraska-None. University of Miami-None.
Attendance: 7564
TV/RADIO COVERAGE:
Today’s game is not being televised. The game can be heard on the Hurricane Radio Network (WAXY – 790 AM). Marc Vandermeer is calling the play-by-play with Joe Zagacki adding analysis. The game is being broadcast in Spanish on WACC (830 AM). Jerry Del Castillo and Pepe Campos are calling the action. The game is also being broadcast live over the internet at the official website for HurricaneAthletics – www.hurricanesports.com.
ONLINE ALL THE TIME:
Check out the official University of Miami Athletic Department website for up to the minute information on Hurricane Athletics at www.hurricanesports.com.
ON THE COACHES:
Miami head coach Perry Clark was named the Hurricanes’ head basketball coach on on July 6, 2000. Clark comes to Coral Gables having spent 11 seasons at Tulane University in New Orleans, La. With the Green Wave, Clark compiled a 185-145 (.561) record, had six 20-win seasons, seven postseason appearances (3 NCAA, 4 NIT) and won the Metro Conference championship in 1992. He was the 1992 National Coach of the Year and a two-time Metro Conference Coach of the Year (1991, 1992). Last season Clark finished 20-11 and captured the Conference USA National Division crown. Additionally, Tulane received a bid to the NIT. Clark’s career record stands at 189-148 (.561) including a 4-3 record this season.
Eastern Illinois head coach Rick Samuels is in his 21st season as a collegiate head coach, all with the Panthers. Samuels’ record stands at 298-284 (.512).
JUST FOR FOOTBALL SEASON TICKET HOLDERS:
During the month of December, University of Miami football season ticket holders will have the opportunity to attend a men’s or women’s basketball game, along with a guest, for only $2.
Every season ticket holder will receive a postcard in the mail which can be redeemed at the box office the day of the game for the promotional tickets. Only football season ticket holders are eligible for the promotion.
Football season ticket holders can choose from one of four men’s or five women’s basketball games. UM men’s games in December include Eastern Illinois (Dec. 18), Memphis (Dec. 21), Lehigh (Dec. 27) or Tennessee-Martin (Dec. 29).
Women’s games include South Florida (Dec. 16), Kentucky (Dec. 19), Fairfield (Dec. 22) or either the opening day or championship round of the Gatorade Holiday Classic. This year’s Classic features New Hampshire, George Mason, Western Michigan and Miami.
KIDS GET IN FOR A DOLLAR ON DEC. 27 & 29:
Tickets for the University of Miami men’s basketball games against Lehigh (Dec. 27) and Tennessee-Martin (Dec. 29) will be available to children ages 13 and under for only $1 per game. Both games will tip-off at 4 p.m. at Miami Arena. For more information contact the Hurricane Ticket office at 1-800-GO-CANES.
RECORD SETTING NIGHT:
Freshman forward Darius Rice recorded 35 points in the Hurricanes’ win over Central Florida (12-9-00) setting a Miami freshman single-game scoring record. Rice broke the old mark of 30 set by Tito Horford on February 25, 1987. Rice also connected on six three-point baskets against UCF tying a UM freshman record.
In his debut against Florida Atlantic on November 18, Rice poured in a game-high 26 points marking the most by a freshman in a season-opener.
Top Freshman Single-Game Point Totals
35 DARIUS RICE vs. Central Florida, 12-9-00
30 Tito Horford vs. Florida State, 2-25-87
29 Dennis Burns vs. Duke, 2-19-86
28 Tito Horford vs. Florida International, 2-18-87
28 Tito Horford vs. Marquette, 1-24-87
26 DARIUS RICE vs. Florida Atlantic, 11-18-00
26 Steven Edwards vs. Pittsburgh, 1-23-93
MIAMI vs. NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENTS:
Since becoming the 10th member of The BIG EAST Conference beginning with the 1991-92 season, the Hurricanes have compiled a 59-34 (.634) record against non-conference opponents, including a 43-13 mark (.768) at the Miami Arena.
VERSUS RANKED OPPONENTS:
UM is 0-1 against ranked teams this season. Miami was 3-5 versus ranked teams last season . The Hurricanes are 12-15 versus ranked opponents since 1996-97 and have defeated at least one ranked team in each of the last six seasons. Miami is 21-80 (.208) all-time against ranked teams including an 18-66 (.214) record since the rebirth of the program in 1985.
MIAMI REACHES SWEET 16:
With its 75-62 win over Ohio State in the second round of last season’s NCAA tournament, the University of Miami advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Championships for the first time in school history.
Miami has advanced to post-season play in five of the last six seasons including three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
IN THEIR FIRST SEASON:
New Hurricane head coach Perry Clark opened his first season at Miami with a 3-0 record. The three straight wins to open the season tied the UM record for consecutive wins to open a season by a coach in his first season at Miami. Bill Foster (1985-86), Hart Morris (1938-39) and Art Webb (1926-27) all opened their inaugural season at Miami 3-0.
A NEW HOME COURT:
The University of Miami will play on new floor at the Miami Arena this season. The floor was donated by Dr. Eddie Dauer and Sam Burstyn and is adorned in the Hurricanes’ colors of orange, green and white.
VS THE STATE OF FLORIDA:
With its win over Central Florida on December 9, Miami improved its record against teams from the state of Florida to 289-141 (.672). Miami has won 24 consecutive games against teams from the state of Florida. Miami has not lost to a Florida school since a 72-64 season opening loss to Florida International on Dec. 1, 1992.
ROAD WARRIORS:
Over the last two seasons Miami is 15-2 in BIG EAST road games. The 15-2 mark is the best among BIG EAST schools over the last two seasons. Miami, which was 8-1 in BIG EAST road games in 1998-99, was 7-1 in conference road games last season. Miami has won 16 of its last 18 BIG EAST road games dating back to the 1997-98 season.
WORKING OVERTIME:
Miami has played at least one overtime contest in each of the last two seasons. Last season the Hurricanes defeated St. John’s in the regular-season finale while in 1998-99 the Hurricanes’ lost a heartbreaking overtime game against No. 1 ranked. UM has amassed a 6-2 record (including tournament games) in BIG EAST overtime contests (4-2 at home). The ‘Canes, who have never had more than three overtime games in any season (3-0 in 1986-87 and 0-3 in 1990-91), own a 22-19 overall record in overtime contests during their history (4-3 in double-overtime games and a 18-16 mark in single-overtime contests). Miami is 6-2 in overtime games since 1995. Below is a list of UM’s overtime games since 1990:
12-19-90 (2OT) SMU 93, MIAMI 88 (@SMU)
12-27-90 (2OT) Miami (OH) 101, MIAMI 99 (N)
3-4-92 Seton Hall 90, MIAMI 82 (@UM)
2-25-95 MIAMI 77, Boston College 72 (@BC)
2-28-95 MIAMI 76, Pittsburgh 68 (@UP)
12-23-95 Clemson 66, MIAMI 52 (@ UM)
2-20-96 (2OT) MIAMI 96, St. John’s 91 (@UM)
1-18-97 MIAMI 68, Georgetown 65 (@UM)
3-5-97 MIAMI 76, St. John’s 68 (@ MSG)
1-20-99 Connecticut 70, MIAMI 68 (@UM)
3-5-00 MIAMI 74, St. John’s 70 (@UM)
UM TIES SCHOOL RECORD FOR WINS:
Miami won 23 games last season tying the school single season record for victories. Miami’s single season record of 23 victories was set during the 1959-60 season and later tied during 1962-63 and 1998-99 seasons.
NO DAY AT THE BEACH:
Miami’s win over No. 18 St. John’s in last season’s regular season finale marked the sixth consecutive season that the Hurricanes have defeated a ranked opponent in the Miami Arena.
MIAMI DOMINATES IN THE ARENA:
In 11 seasons at the Miami Arena the Hurricanes have compiled a 118-62 (.656) overall record, including a 3-0 mark this season. UM has posted a 71-22 (.763) home record since 1994. UM is 39-14 (.736) in its last 53 BIG EAST home games dating back to the 1994-95 season.
WINNING WAYS:
With its 63-57 win over Connecticut on February 19, the University of Miami clinched its six consecutive winning season. The last time Miami recorded at least six straight winning seasons was the 1968-69 campaign when the `Canes registered their 10th straight winning season.
