Men's Basketball Knocks Off Detroit-Mercy In Puerto Rico
Dec. 21, 1999
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Johnny Hemsley, Miami’s leading scorer, had abrief exchange with coach Leonard Hamilton at the start of a timeout, kicked achair on the bench then left for the locker room and didn’t return Tuesday inthe Hurricanes’ 68-64 victory over Detroit-Mercy in the consolation round ofthe San Juan Shootout.
Hemsley, who was averaging 19 points per game, had 10 points when theincident occurred with 17:40 to play and Miami leading 44-34.
“Johnny has to learn he doesn’t have to carry the team,” Hamilton said.
Asked Hemsley’s status, Hamilton replied: “I will discipline him when it’sappropriate.”
Hemsley was unavailable for comment.
The senior guard, a preseason first-team all-Big East selection, hadstruggled from the field in his last two games – both losses – going 8-for-30against North Carolina and 5-for-21 in the opening-round loss toLouisiana-Lafayette.
The Hurricanes (5-4) will play Illinois State, which beat PuertoRico-Mayaguez 82-55, for fifth place on Wednesday.
Detroit (5-4), with Rashad Phillips scoring eight straight points at onestretch, got within 58-55 with 4:49 to play.
The Titans closed to 63-62 with 1:01 remaining on a layup by Walter Craftoff no-look pass from Phillips.
Miami’s Leroy Hurd then hit a desperation 3-pointer as the 35-second shotclock ran out to give the Hurricanes a 66-62 lead with 26 seconds left.
Phillips, third nationally in scoring at 26.4 points per game, had 29 pointsafter being held to two in the opening-round loss to Pepperdine.
Mario Bland had 18 points and seven rebounds for Miami. John Salmons added13.
