Hurricanes Visit Rutgers Sunday
Feb. 15, 2002
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#13/#11 MIAMI HURRICANES (21-4, 8-4)
vs.
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS (16-8, 6-5)
February 17, 2002 – Noon (ET)
Louis Brown Athletic Center (8,500) – Piscataway, NJ
TV: Fox Sports Net Florida, Radio: WQAM (560 AM)
ON THE SCARLET KNIGHTS:
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights enter the Miami game with a record of 16-8, 6-5 in the BIG EAST West Division, following a 65-62 win over Notre Dame on February 14.
Rutgers has been extremely tough at home this season registering a 13-1 record. The Scarlet Knights have won five straight at home including two victories of ranked teams (Connecticut and Syracuse).
Rutgers has been led in scoring this season by junior guard Jerome Coleman who is averaging 16.2 points per contest. Freshman forward Ricky Shields has been very impressive this season averaging 12.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He has earned BIG EAST Rookie of the Week honors twice this season.
The Scarlet Knights also look to senior forward Rashod Kent who this season is averaging a double-double at 10.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
THE SERIES:
Miami and Rutgers meet for the 10th time with the Hurricanes holding a 7-2 series lead. Miami has won five straight against Rutgers and is 3-2 all-time on the road against the Scarlet Knights. Miami has won two straight at the Louis Brown Athletic Center. Rutgers has not defeated the Hurricanes since February 2, 1997.
TV/RADIO COVERAGE:
The Rutgers’ game is being produced by ESPN Regional Television and will be broadcast live in Miami on Fox Sports Net Florida. Mike Crispino will handle the play-by-play duties with Bob Wenzel adding analysis.
The game is also being broadcast on the Hurricane Radio Network (WQAM-560 AM). Marc Vandermeer, entering his third season as the “Voice of the Hurricanes,” will handle the play-by-play duties while Joe Zagacki will provide in-depth analysis.
LAST TIME AGAINST RUTGERS:
February 5, 2000
Louis Brown Athletic Center, Piscataway, NJ
Johnny Hemsley scored 21 points and Miami held Rutgers to two field goals in the final 9:20 in posting a 58-52 victory on Saturday.
Mario Bland added 13 points and Elton Tyler had 12 as Miami won its fifth straight BIG EAST Conference game. Jeff Greer had 15 points to lead Rutgers. Rutgers freshman point guard Todd Billet added 13.
Leading 52-49 with 21 seconds remaining, Miami sophomore John Salmons stepped up and picked off a Billet pass near the foul line, then hit two free throws to boost the lead to 54-49 with 19.1 seconds to go.
A 3-pointer by Billet with 12.8 seconds to go cut the lead to 54-52, but Hemsley was fouled by Billet in the backcourt and he made both his free throws. Hemsley also scored on a fastbreak layup in the closing seconds following another Rutgers turnover.
Miami held a 25-7 advantage on the offensive boards and it got two big baskets in the final five minutes off offensive rebounds.
MIAMI TICKET INFORMATION:
For UM Ticket information contact the Hurricane Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-CANES.
A WIN AGAINST RUTGERS WOULD:
***Improve Miami’s record to 22-4, 9-4 in the BIG EAST.
***Mark the most regular-season wins since joining the BIG EAST in 1991.
***Be Miami’s sixth straight win over Rutgers.
***Improve Miami’s BIG EAST road record to 22-10 (.688) since the 1998-99 season.
UP NEXT:
Following the Rutgers game the Hurricanes return home to face Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 23 at Miami Arena.
ON THE COACHES:
University of Miami head coach Perry Clark is in his second season with the Hurricanes and 13th season overall as a collegiate head coach. Clark is 37-17 (.685) at Miami, including an 21-4 start this season, while his career record in 13 seasons stands at 222-162 (.578). Last season Clark led the Hurricanes to a berth in the National Invitation Tournament marking the eighth time in 12 seasons he has guided his team to post season play.
Rutgers head coach Gary Waters is in his first season with the Scarlet Knights and sixth season overall. Waters’ is 16-8 this season at Rutgers while his overall record is 108-68 (.614).
DID YOU KNOW?:
The University of Miami has registered a league best 44-18 (.710) conference mark since the 1998-99 season.
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.
ROAD WARRIORS:
Since the 1998-99 season, Miami is 21-10 in BIG EAST road games. The 21-10 mark is the best record among BIG EAST schools over that period. The Hurricanes have won 22 of their last 32 BIG EAST road games dating back to the 1997-98 season.
WHAT’S YOUR 20:
With its 65-56 win over Villanova on February 5 Miami recorded its 20th win of the season. The 20-win season is the ninth overall for the Hurricanes and third in the last four seasons. Miami (21-4) is two wins shy of the school single-season record of 23 set in 1959-60 and later matched in 1962-63, 1998-99 and 1999-00.
BALANCED ATTACK:
The University of Miami is arguably one of the most balanced team in the nation offensively. All five UM starters are averaging in double-figures in scoring. Darius Rice leads UM in scoring at 14.2 points per game followed by John Salmons (14.1 ppg), James Jones (13.1 ppg), Marcus Barnes (11.6 ppg) and Elton Tyler (11.2 ppg). Miami joins Arizona as the only teams ranked among the AP or ESPN/USA Today polls that have five players averaging in double-figures.
All five starters have led the team in scoring at least once this season. Salmons has led the team in scoring eight times followed by Rice seven times, Jones six times, Tyler three and Barnes twice.
DEAD-EYE FROM THE LINE:
Miami is shooting 76.1 percent from the line this season to rank 13th in the nation. In BIG EAST games however the Hurricanes have connected on a lead best 81.9 percent (212-259) from the charity stripe. John Salmons (.917) and James Jones (.905) rank 1-2 in the conference in free throw percentage (league games only).
The BIG EAST single-season team record for free throw percentage in a season is 79.6 percent (234-294) set by Connecticut in 1980-81.
COMEBACK KIDS:
In Miami’s 102-96 overtime win against Providence on January 19, the Hurricanes came back from a 13-point second half deficit tying the UM record for the largest second-half comeback in a BIG EAST game. Miami also came from 13 points down in the second half to defeat Georgetown on January 18, 1997. The game also marked the second straight in which Miami overcame a double-figure second-half deficit to win. Miami was down 11 in the second-half to Pittsburgh before rallying for a 76-69 double-overtime win. Overall the Hurricanes have rallied eight times from second-half deficits to win games.
SALMONS THE ONE AND ONLY:
With his 15 points and 10 assists against Charlotte on December 22, John Salmons became the first Hurricane to record 1000 points, 600 rebounds, 300 assists and 150 steals during his career. Salmons currenlty has 1205 points, 638 rebounds, 366 assists and 180 steals.
UM TIES WIN STREAK RECORD:
Miami’s 14-0 start set a school-record for consecutive wins to open a season, and tied the school-record for the most consecutive victories which was originally set in 1947.
MIAMI IN THE 2001-02 POLLS:
Miami is ranked 13th in the latest Associated Press college basketball poll and 11th in the current ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. Miami’s highest ranking ever came on March 1, 1960 when the Hurricanes jumped to No. 8 in the Associated Press poll. Miami’s highest ranking since the rebirth of the program in 1985 is ninth by the Associated Press on March 1, 1999. The Hurricanes highest ranking ever in the Coaches poll came on March 1, 1999 (10th).
LATE SEASON HEAT WAVE:
Over the last three seasons Miami has played well in the month of February registering a 23-4 (.852) record.
WHO WILL TAKE CHARGE TONIGHT?:
This season the Hurricanes have had several players put the team on their shoulders and lead them to victory. In 15 games this season the Hurricane player that has either led or tied for the team lead in scoring has also led or tied for the team lead in rebounding.
FAMILIAR STARTERS:
Miami sophomore Darius Rice, junior James Jones and senior John Salmons have started each of the last 54 games together. Salmons currently has the second longest streak in UM history having started 100 straight games. Kevin Norris (1994-98) holds the UM record for consecutive starts with 108.
TALKING RPI:
As of February 15 the Hurricanes were No. 12 in the RPI rankings according to CollegeRPI.com. Miami’s ranking is the second-highest among BIG EAST schools.
The BIG EAST Conference currently has eight teams ranked among the top-50 in the RPI which trails only the SEC (9) for most of any conference in the nation.
WORKING OVERTIME:
The Hurricanes’ back-to-back overtime wins against Pittsburgh and Providence marked the first time since the 1994-95 season that UM has played consecutive overtime games. Miami has played at least one overtime contest in each of the last four seasons. UM has amassed a 8-5 record (including tournament games) in BIG EAST overtime contests (5-3 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 24-21 overall record in overtime contests during their history (5-4 in double-overtime games and a 19-17 mark in single-overtime contests). Miami is 8-4 in overtime games since 1995.
MIAMI vs. NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENTS:
Since joining The BIG EAST Conference beginning with the 1991-92 season, the Hurricanes have compiled a 74-35 (.679) record against non-conference opponents, including a 50-13 mark (.794) at the Miami Arena.
VERSUS RANKED OPPONENTS:
UM has won its last six games against ranked teams including a 3-0 record this season. The Hurricanes are 18-16 versus ranked opponents since 1996-97 and have defeated at least one ranked team in each of the last eight seasons. Miami is 27-81 (.250) all-time against ranked teams including a 24-67 (.264) record since the rebirth of the program in 1985.
MIAMI WINS PARADISE JAM TOURNAMENT:
Miami’s victory over Clemson in the championship game of the Virgin Islands Paradise Jam marked UM’s first tournament title since the 1988 season when the Hurricanes took home the title at the Eastern Airlines Palm Beach Classic. That season UM defeated Penn, 102-69, in the opening round, then knocked off Wichita State, 81-59, in the championships game.
SALMONS NAMED PARADISE JAM MVP:
Miami senior guard John Salmons was named MVP of the Virgin Islands Paradise Jam after leading Miami to three victories and the tournament title. Salmons averaged 17.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.7 steals during the three-game tournament, including an 18 point, 10 rebound performance in the title game.
146 STUDENT-ATHLETES MAKE AD HONOR ROLL:
The University of Miami had 146 student-athletes named to the Athletic Director’s Honor following the fall semester. To be named to the AD honor roll the student-athlete must record a GPA of 3.2 or higher during the semester. The Miami women’s rowing team had 27 members earn AD Honor Roll honors during the fall, the most of any team in the athletic department. The UM National Champion football team was second with 16 making the list. Included among the list of 146 is junior forward James Jones.
WINNING WAYS:
With its win over Pittsburgh (1-15-02) the Hurricanes ensured its eighth consecutive winning season. The last time Miami recorded at least eight straight winning seasons was the 1968-69 campaign when the ‘Canes registered their 10th straight winning season.
VS THE STATE OF FLORIDA:
With its win over Florida A&M on December 18, Miami improved its record against teams from the state of Florida to 292-141 (.674). Miami has won 27 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.
NO DAY AT THE BEACH:
Miami’s 68-66 win over No. 17 Connecticut on February 2 marked the eighth consecutive season that the Hurricanes defeated a ranked opponent in the Miami Arena.
HURRICANES SIGN THREE:
Head coach Perry Clark signed three players during the early signing period. Joining UM next season will be 6-2, 185 pound guard Robert Hite (Cincinnati, OH/Winton Woods HS), 6-3, 185 pound guard Eric Wilkins (Piscataway, NJ/Oak Hill [VA] Academy), and 6-6, 190 pound swingman Ismael N’Diaye (Abidjan, Ivory Coast/Berkshire [FL] School).
MIAMI GOES PERFECT OUT OF CONFERENCE:
With its 71-48 win over St. Francis (PA) on December 30, the University of Miami completed its non-conference schedule with a perfect 13-0 record marking the first time in school-history the Hurricanes have gone undefeated in non-conference play.
STREAKING:
Miami’s loss to Connecticut on January 5th ended a very unusual winning streak. Including baseball, football and basketball the Hurricanes had recorded 43 consecutive victories.
The UM baseball team won its final 17 games in winning the 2001 NCAA National Championship. The UM football team followed with a perfect 12-0 record including a Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska for the 2001 national title. The UM basketball opened the season with 14 straight wins.
MIAMI REACHES POST-SEASON, AGAIN:
The Hurricanes have advanced to the post-season in five straight seasons and six times in the last seven years. Miami has gone to the NCAA Tournament in three of the last four seasons including a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2000.
MIAMI DOMINATES IN THE ARENA:
In 13 seasons at the Miami Arena the Hurricanes have compiled a 143-66 (.683) overall record, including a 12-1 mark this season, UM defeated Indiana earlier this season at the American Airlines Arena. UM has posted a 82-20 (.804) record at Miami Arena since 1995. UM is 43-15 (.741) in its last 58 BIG EAST home games dating back to the 1995-96 season.
UPCOMING GAME PROMOTIONS:
Notre Dame (February 23)
Papa John’s Celebrity 2Ball Competition at half-time.Employee Day – all UM employees can come to the game for free and purchase (5) additional tickets for $1 a piece.Announcing the Founding members of Miami men’s basketball.Hurricane Hoops Game
Virginia Tech (March 2)
Power Bar 3-point contest. Prelims are going to be held at the Wellness Center the week of the game.Senior Day – honoring John Salmons, Elton Tyler and Jerry Schlie.Burnie the Heat mascot will be in attendance.Jr. Canes Day – all Junior Canes Club Members can come to the game for free – kids 13 and younger can sign up to be a member at the game.Sears National Championship trophy will be in the West Concourse for fans to take pictures with.Hurricane Hoops Game
