Men's Basketball Tips-Off Against Memphis
Dec. 20, 2000
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MEMPHIS TIGERS (4-6)
vs.
MIAMI HURRICANES (5-3)
Thursday, December 21, 2000 — 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Miami Arena (15,388)
Fox Sports Net, WQAM (560 AM), WACC (830 AM) in Spanish
TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:
Memphis enters tonight’s game with a record of 4-6 following a 98-54 win over Christian Brothers University on December 18. The win marked the second straight for the Tigers. Memphis was led by senior guard Marcus Moody who poured in 22 points off the bench.
Four of the Tigers’ six losses this season have come against ranked opponents. Memphis dropped decisions to No. 5 Stanford (83-69) and No. 12 Utah (61-58) at the Puerto Rico Shootout, as well as road games to No. 25 Arkansas (74-68) and No. 6 Tennessee (86-76).
Memphis has been led this season by 6-10 junior forward Kelly Wise who is averaging a team-high 15.3 points per game. He also leads the team in scoring at 9.9 rebounds per game.
The Tigers have also received strong play on the perimeter from Moody and 6-4 senior guard Shyrone Chatman. The two have combined to shoot 23-46 (.500) from three-point range this season.
THE SERIES:
Miami and Memphis meet for the 11th time with the Tigers holding a 6-4 all-time series lead. Last season the Tigers defeated Miami, 82-72, at the Pyramid in Memphis, TN snapping the Hurricanes’ two game winning streak over Memphis. The Hurricanes are 2-1 against Memphis at home including a 1-1 record at the Miami Arena.
UP NEXT:
Following tonight’s game the Hurricanes will continue its homestand December 27 against Lehigh starting at 4 p.m. at the Miami Arena. The Hurricanes conclude the homestand against Tennessee-Martin on December 29. That game is also slated for a 4 p.m. start. UM opens its BIG EAST Conference schedule at Pittsburgh 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.
LAST TIME AGAINST MEMPHIS
December 4, 1999
The Pyramid, Memphis, TN
Guard Keiron Shine scored a career-high 39 points in 30 minutes off the bench to lead the Memphis Tigers to an 82-72 victory over 25th ranked Miami at the Pyramid.
Shine connected on 12-of-16 from the field, including six-of-seven 3-pointers. He added 9-of-10 free throws as the Tigers put together a 14-2 run with just under five minutes to play to pull away.
Miami was led by Mario Bland, who scored a career-high 22 points, and Johnny Hemsley who added 20.
Trailing 63-62 lead with 5:04 remaining the Tigers started their stretch run scoring nine consecutive points including an intentional foul on Miami’s Paulo Coelho as Shine drove to the basket.
Shine hit both free throws and on the ensuing possession nailed a 3-pointer from the top of the key for a 71-63 lead. Memphis would eventually build a lead to 12 when Shine hit a pair of free throws with 12:05 seconds left for an 81-69 lead.
In the final minute, Memphis hit eight of ten free throws to preserve its lead.
A WIN TONIGHT WOULD:
Improve Miami’s record to 6-3.Mark UM’s seventh consecutive win at Miami Arena.Improve Miami’s record to 45-13 (.776) against non-conference opponents at Miami Arena since joining the BIG EAST in 1991.Improve the Hurricanes’ all-time record at Miami Arena to 120-62 (.659)
TV/RADIO COVERAGE:
Tonight’s game is being produced by ESPN Regional Television and is airing on Fox Sports Net in Miami. Jay Randolph is calling the play-by-play with Bucky Waters adding analysis. The game can be heard on the Hurricane Radio Network (WQAM – 560 AM). Marc Vandermeer is calling the play-by-play with Joe Zagacki providing analysis. The game is also being broadcast in Spanish on WACC (830 AM). Jerry Del Castillo and Pepe Campos are calling the action. The game can be heard live over the internet at the official website for HurricaneAthletics – 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 190-148 (.562) including a 5-3 record this season.
Memphis head coach John Calipari is in his first season with the Tigers and ninth season overall as a collegiate head coach. Calipari’s collegiate record stands at 197-41 (.719) including a 4-6 record this season. Calapari spent three seasons as head coach of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets (1996-1999) registering a record of 72-112 (.391).
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 UM men’s games against Lehigh (Dec. 27) or Tennessee-Martin (Dec. 29), or women’s games versus Fairfield (Dec. 22) or either 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.
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 60-34 (.638) record against non-conference opponents, including a 44-13 mark (.772) 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.
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 119-62 (.656) overall record, including a 4-0 mark this season. UM has posted a 72-22 (.766) 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.
MIAMI IN THE 2000-01 POLLS:
The University of Miami did not recieve votes in this week’s Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today College Basketball polls.
MIAMI ENDS 1999-00 SEASON NATIONALLY RANKED:
Miami ended the 1999-2000 season ranked 20th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll and 23rd in the final Associated Press poll marking the second consecutive season the Hurricanes have ended the season nationally ranked. In 1998-99 Miami finished 10th in the final AP poll and 12th in the season ending USA Today/ESPN poll.
SUCCESS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE:
Entering the 2000-01 season the Hurricanes are the only team in the state of Florida to register a winning record in each of the last six seasons. The Hurricanes’ 110-68 (.618) mark since the 1994-95 season is the top winning percentage and most victories among the state’s 11 Division I programs.
HURRICANE TICKETS ON SALE:
Miami season ticket packages are currently on sale for as low as $99. Miami will play 15 games at Miami Arena this season including eight BIG EAST Conference battles. Single game tickets are also available. For more information contact the Hurricane Ticket Office at (305) 284-CANES in Dade or (800) GO-CANES. The Ticket Office is open from 9a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday.
BIG OFF THE BENCH:
This season the Hurricanes’ have received strong play from its bench. The UM bench has accounted for 34.3 percent (196 of 571 points) of the Hurricanes’ scoring and 28.2 percent (85 of 301 rebounds) of its rebounding this season. Miami’s bench is averaging 24.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
In comparison, last season the Miami bench accounted for only 19.3 percent (453 of 2346 points) of UM’s scoring and 24.3 percent (312 of 1282 rebounds) of its rebounding. Last season Miami’s bench averaged 13.3 points and 9.2 rebounds.
POINTS, POINTS, POINTS:
Last season Miami scored 2,346 points in 34 games (69 ppg). The overall point total was the most by a Hurricane team since the 1988-89 season. That season the Hurricanes scored 2,809 points in 31 games for an average of 90.6 points per game.
The point total also marked the second straight season in which the Hurricanes had posted 2,000 more points. The last time UM had recorded 2,000 or more points in consecutive seasons was in 1989-90 and 1990-91.
DEAD-EYE FROM THE LINE:
Miami led the BIG EAST and ranked 13th in the nation shooting 74.8 percent from free throw line last season. Miami’s five starters combined to shoot 441-572 (.771) from the line. This season’s starters have been even more proficient from the line connecting on 73-93 (.785) free throw attempts. As a team the Hurricanes are shooting 73.4 percent from the line to rank second in the BIG EAST.
EASY AS 1, 2, 3:
Prior to last season’s regular season finale against St. John’s, the Hurricanes had hit at least one three-point field goal in 249 consecutive games. Overall, the `Canes have hit at least one trey in 415 of its 417 games since the NCAA adopted the three-point shot in 1986. The only other game in which Miami failed to hit a three-point field goal was against Howard University on Dec. 6, 1991 when the `Canes were 0-15 behind the three-point arc.
OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING:
Miami shot 51.0 percent from the field against Ohio State (3-19-00) marking the seventh time last season the Hurricanes shot 50 percent or better from the floor. In 1998-99 the Hurricanes shot over 50 percent from the floor on 12 occasions. Miami shot 50 percent or better from the floor only five times in 1997-98.
GETTING DEFENSIVE:
This season Miami’s defense has been adept a forcing its opponents into turnovers. The Hurricanes have forced 157 turnovers (22.4 per game) over the first five games including 79 steals (11.3 per game). The Hurricanes are averaging 24.0 points per game off turnovers.
DEFENDING THE BIG EAST:
Last season the Hurricanes led the BIG EAST in scoring defense (58.2 ppg), field goal percentage defense (.377) and three-point field goal percentage defense (.259). Miami has led the league in field goal percentage defense for two straight seasons and its 58.2 ppg allowed this season established a new BIG EAST record. The Hurricanes broke the old mark of 59.4 points per game set by Georgetown in 1981-82.
BLOCK PARTY:
Sophomore forward James Jones recorded seven blocks in the Hurricanes’ season opener against Florida Atlantic (11-18-00). The seven blocks ranks as the third highest single game total in UM history.
MAN OF STEAL:
In his third season, Miami forward John Salmons has recorded 88 steals and needs only 25 more this season to move into the Hurricanes’ top-10 for career steals. Last season Salmons recorded 50 steals which ranks as the seventh best single season total in UM history. Salmons is only the fifth player in UM history to record 50 or more steals in a season.
MIAMI RANKS FOR FOURTH STAIGHT SEASON:
Miami ended the season ranked 20th in the nation in field goal percentage defense marking the fourth straight season the Hurricanes have ranked nationally in the category. In 1998-99 the Hurricanes ended the season ranked 13th in the nation in field goal percentage defense (.384). In 1997-98 the University of Miami led the nation holding teams to 37.9 percent shooting from the floor. In 1996-97 Miami held opponents to 38 percent shooting from the field to rank sixth nationally. In addition, the Hurricanes rank 23rd in the nation in scoring defense.
LOCKING UP:
Last season Miami made a habit of holding teams without a field goal for long stretches. The Hurricanes held teams without a field goal for five minutes or more a total of 31 times while holding teams scoreless for five or more minutes seven times.
Three times this season the Hurricanes’ have held teams without a field goal for five or more minutes. In Miami’s 2000-01 season opener against Florida Atlantic the Hurricanes held the Owls without a point for a span of 5:48 during the second-half. Against Columbia, UM held the Lions without a point for the opening 10:28 of the second half while going on a 17-0 run.
