Canes Return to BankUnited Center Jan. 2
Miami vs. La Salle
Jan. 2, 2012 | 9 p.m.
BankUnited Center | Coral Gables, Fla.
TV: FoxSports South | ESPN3
Radio: WQAM 560 | 90.5 WVUM
Webcast: WQAM.com Radio | WVUM.org
Twitter: @CanesHoops | @CanesCoachL
Facebook: /MiamiHurricanes | /MiamiBasketball
Series: Miami trails 4-9
Last Meeting: Dec. 9, 1970. Miami lost, 97-77 on the road.
Miami 8-3 (0-0 ACC)
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The Game
The Hurricanes return to Coral Gables for their final non-conference tilt as they host La Salle on Jan. 2 at 9 p.m. in the BankUnited Center.
The SeriesMiami is 4-9 in the all-time series against La Salle, dating back to the 1950-51 season. The Hurricanes are 4-3 at home and 0-6 on the road against the Explorers. Miami last faced La Salle on Dec. 9, 1970 at their home in Philadelphia. Miami lost that game, 97-77.
The BroadcastsCatch the game on FOX Sports South with Rich Waltz and Mike Gminski making the call. The game will also be carried live by 560 WQAM Radio with Joe Zagacki (play-by-play) and Josh Darrow (analyst) and on UM’s student radio, 90.5 WVUM.
The CoachHead coach Jim Larrañaga is in his 29th season as a head coach and second at Miami. He has a 498-350 overall record and is 28-16 in his second season at Miami.
The WeatherProjected temperatures on game day: Coral Gables – 78/62. Philadelphia- 23/38.
RPI and Strength of ScheduleAccording to CBSSports.com as of Dec. 25, Miami’s RPI is 10 and strength of schedule is 8. RealtimeRPI.com has UM with an RPI of 10 and SOS of 9. Rivals has the Canes at 19 & 9.
Canes Defend Home CourtThe Hurricanes are 5-0 at the BankUnited Center in 2012-13 and are 112-47 overall in the BUC. The Hurricanes have notched double-digit home wins at the BankUnited in five-straight seasons and eight times in nine full seasons calling the arena home.
UM’s Offensive OutputFour players – Durand Scott, Shane Larkin, Reggie Johnson – are averaging double-digit points this season and one – Trey McKinney Jones – is at 9.5 ppg. When three or more Canes score in double digits, Miami is 8-1. In six games this year, four or more Hurricanes have scored in double digits.
New Starting Five for MiamiCoach L used his fifth different starting lineup of the season on Dec. 22, giving the nod to Shane Larkin, Durand Scott, Rion Brown, Kenny Kadji and Julian Gamble. Larranaga used the lineup again on Dec. 23 against No. 4/5 Arizona. Reggie Johnson was out for the games with an injured left thumb and Trey McKinney Jones was slowed by a systemic illness for the first game of the tournament.
Home Court AdvantageMiami has shot better than 45 percent from the field in its five home games, shooting a season-high 59.0 percent vs. Jacksonville. Miami was consistent vs. Detroit hitting 14-27 shots (51.9 %) in both the first and second halves. The Canes have shot better than 60 percent in two home second halves, with 63.6 percent vs. SU and 62.5 percent vs. JU.
Scott is Mr. ConsistentDurand Scott has scored at least 15 points in all but one game this season, notching 12 in the matchup with Indiana State. He has hit a pair of threes in three of the last four games, and has recorded at least four assists in four of the last six games. Scott posted his first double-double of the season (third of his career) with 16 points and 12 rebounds against Charlotte.
Johnson Out 6-8 Weeks
Senior center Reggie Johnson will be out 6-8 weeks with a left thumb fracture, Coach Jim Larranaga announced Sunday evening. In seven games this season, Johnson has averaged 12.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game for the Hurricanes. He is shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 71.4 percent at the line.
