@CanesHoops vs. Virginia Tech - Dec. 8
Dec. 8, 2013 | 12:30 p.m.
Coral Gables, Fla. | BankUnited Center
TV: ESPNU
Radio: 560 WQAM | 90.5 WVUM | Sirius 91 | XM 91
Webcast: ESPN3 | WQAM.com | wvum.org
Series: Miami leads 13-10
Miami 5-4
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The Game
Miami returns to the BankUnited Center to open ACC play with a matchup against Virginia Tech on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 12:30 p.m.
The Series
Miami is 13-10 in the all-time series against Virginia Tech, which dates back to the 2000-01 season. The Canes are 7-3 against the Hokies at home, 1-2 on neutral courts and 5-5 on the road. Miami has won three-straight matchups against Virginia Tech, defeating the Hokies, 65-49, on Feb. 9, 2012 at the BankUnited Center; on Jan. 30, 2013 UM defeated Virginia Tech in Cassell Coliseum, 73-64, and most recently, the Canes downed Virginia Tech 78-58 on Feb. 27, 2013 in Coral Gables.
The Broadcasts
Catch the game on ESPNU with Tom Hart and Jay Williams making the call. Also check out the game on 560 WQAM Radio with Joe Zagacki (play-by-play) and Josh Darrow, as well as on Miami’s student station, 90.5 WVUM.
The Coach
Head coach Jim Larrañaga has a 524-358 overall record in his 30th season as a head coach. He is 54-24 in his third season at the University of Miami.
The Weather
Projected temperatures on game day: Coral Gables – 81/72. Blacksburg, Va.- 31/29.
Up Next
Miami will continue its run of five-of-six games on the road when the Canes travel to Georgia to play Savannah State on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
Miami in ACC Openers
The Canes are 3-6 in ACC openers since joining the league for the 2004-05 season. UM is 1-5 on the road and 2-1 at home in ACC opening games. The Canes have started ACC play on the road for the past four seasons, posting a 1-3 record in that time. Miami has never faced Virginia Tech in the ACC opener.
2004-05 at Georgia Tech L, 69-80
2005-06 at NC State L, 69-81
2006-07 Georgia Tech W, 90-82
2007-08 Georgia Tech W, 78-68
2008-09 Clemson L, 72-91
2009-10 at Boston College L, 60-61
2010-11 at Duke L, 63-74
2011-12 at Virginia L, 51-52
2012-13 at Georgia Tech W, 62-49
Miami is Building Champions by Recruiting Winners
Coach L and staff recruit guys who have won big games to play for the Canes. Of the five available players recruited under Coach L, Manu Lecomte won his U-20 Brussels championship while both Davon Reed (twice) and Tonye Jekiri played in their respective high school state championship game. In high school, James Kelly played in the state final four, and in junior college played in the finals of the NJCAA Tournament. Donnavan Kirk played in a pair of quarterfinal games while in high school.
Of the four players who were on the team before the arrival of Coach L and company, Raphael Akpejiori won the state championship, Erik Swoope played in the final four, Rion Brown played in the elite eight twice and Garrius Adams played in the regional finals.
Cardiac Canes
Miami has played three overtime games and three others that were decided in the final minutes. Miami is 1-2 in overtime this season and 2-1 in close games that ended in regulation: wins at Cal State Fullerton and vs. Arizona, and a loss to UCF.
Guards on the Boards
Guard Rion Brown leads the Canes with his 6.6 rebounds per game, while Garrius Adams has pulled down 5.1, which is third-most on the team. Davon Reed and Manu Lecomte each average 2.2 caroms per outing.
It’s A Block Party
For the ninth-straight game, Donnavan Kirk recorded a block, extending the longest streak of his career. His 19 blocks this year put him in the top 50 in the country. For the year, the fifth year transfer has 19 blocks. His career high came during the 2012-13 season when he had 50 blocks at DePaul.
