Men's Basketball Set To Play Northeastern

Nov. 24, 2000

Coral Gables, FL – The University of Miami men’s basketball team (2-0) will look for its third straight win to open the season when it faces the Northeastern Huskies (0-1) this Saturday, November 25 beginning at noon at the Miami Arena.

The Hurricanes, coming off a 65-41 win over Columbia on Nov. 21, have been led early this season by 6-10 freshman Darius Rice (Jackson, MS). The former high school All-American is averaging a team-high 17.0 points per game while pulling down 5.5 rebounds per contest.

Junior guard John Salmons (Philadelphia, PA) is also averaging double figures in scoring at 11.5 points per game.

Miami has also received strong play from its bench, which is averaging over 28 points per game. Freshman Rodrigue Djahue (Miami Northwest Christian Academy) has led UM’s bench efforts averaging 8.5 points and a team-high 7.5 rebounds per game.

As a team the Hurricanes have forced 53 opponent turnovers (26.5 per game) and recorded 29 steals (14.5 per game). UM currently leads the BIG EAST in steals and is tied for first in turnover margin (+7.50).

Northeastern enters the contest following an 87-66 opening game loss at Navy. The Huskies were led by 6-5 senior forward Tyrone Hammick who recorded 15 points connecting on 6-of-9 from the floor and 3-of-5 from the line. Others scoring in double-figures included 6-4 senior forward Dwayne Barnes (11 points) and 6-5 freshman forward Jean Francois (13 points).