Championship Game: Miami vs. Charlotte
Nov. 23, 2014 | 9 p.m.
TD Arena | Charleston, S.C.
TV: ESPN2
Radio: 560 WQAM
Web: WatchESPN
— / RV Miami (4-0) vs. Charlotte (3-0)
Roster | Coaches | Schedule & Results | Stats | Game Notes | Record Book
Learn More about Your Hurricanes
Renewed Hoops | Homecoming: The Angel Rodriguez Story
The Game
Miami looks to win its second Charleston Classic in as many tries when the Hurricanes face off against the Charlotte on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 9 p.m. in TD Arena. The Canes will play the 49ers in back-to-back games, with the second matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in Charlotte, also at 9 p.m.
The Series
Miami is tied 4-4 in the all-time series against Charlotte, which dates back to the 1997-98 season. The Canes are 3-1 against the 49ers at home and 1-3 on the road. Under Coach L, UM is 2-0 in the series against Charlotte. Miami won the last matchup against Charlotte, defeating the 49ers, 77-46, on Dec. 14, 2012 at the Bank United Center in Coral Gables. Coach L is 3-0 all-time against Charlotte.
The Broadcasts
Catch the game on ESPN2 with Bob Picozzi and Dino Gaudio making the call. Also check out the game on 560 WQAM Radio with Joe Zagacki, the Voice of the Hurricanes.
The Coach
Head coach Jim Larrañaga has a 540-370 overall record in his 31st season as a head coach. He is 70-36 in his third season at the University of Miami.
The Polls (as of Nov. 22)
USA TODAY: Miami – RV, Charlotte – NR KenPom.com: Miami – 23, Charlotte – 78
The Weather
Projected temperatures on game day: Coral Gables – 81/73. Charlotte, N.C. – 59/57.
Up Next
Miami concludes its 11-day road trip of five games in nine days with a trip to Charlotte to face the 49ers in a second-straight matchup on Nov. 25 at 9 p.m.
Canes Playing for Second Charleston Classic Championship
Miami is looking to win its second Gildan Charleston Classic in as many tries when the Canes face Charlotte on Sunday. In 2009, UM defeated Tulane (74-54), UNC Wilmington (67-60) and South Carolina (85-70) to win the event.
Against Charlotte, the Canes are playing for Coach Jim Larrañaga’s first non-conference tournament championship since moving to Coral Gables. Miami was 2-1 in the 2013 Wooden Legacy and 1-2 in the 2012 Diamond Head Classic. UM didn’t play in an exempt tournament in 2011-12.
Road Warriors
On Nov. 16, Miami started an 11-day roadtrip that will see the Canes play five games in nine days in three states. After an in-state matchup with Florida, Miami is playing three games in the Charleston (S.C.) Classic, then wrapping up the road swing with a Nov. 25 matchup against Charlotte.
Canes Shooting 10 percent Better in Second Half
Through four games, Miami has averaged 10 more points per game and is shooting more than 10 percent better from the field, from three and at the free throw line in the second half of the game than the first stanza. Junior Angel Rodriguez’ stats are significantly better in the second half, as well.
UM Shooting Nearly 50 Percent
UM hit 59.3 percent (32-54) of its shots against Akron, including 47.1 percent (8-17) from distance. The previous night, the Canes knocked down 11-21 (52.4%) from three.
Miami is shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 46.8 percent from three while holding opponents to 35.7 percent and 31.5 percent, respectively.
Miami has hit 37 shots from long range, with six players knocking down a three, led by 12 from Angel Rodriguez and nine from Manu Lecomte.
Rodriguez Flirts with Triple-Double
Junior guard Angel Rodriguez flirted with a triple-double against Akron, posting 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. His stat line also included two blocked shots and a steal, while shooting 66.7 percent from the field.
Rodriguez has scored in double figures in all four games this season for the Hurricanes, with 16, 24, 15 and 15. He scored 10 straight points for the Canes between the 17:01 and 15:13 marks to open the second half against Drexel, pushing the Canes’ lead to 11. For the season, he’s hit 52.2 percent (12-23) from distance.
Rodriguez is not just a scorer for the Canes, more importantly, he is a bulldog of a defender. In four games at Miami, he has had 11 steals, 21 assists and 16 rebounds. The 5-11 guard also has five blocked shots on the season and took a charge with three seconds remaining against Florida to win the game. He also disrupts passes and shots with his active hands and physical play.
Jekiri Controlling the Boards
Junior forward Tonye Jekiri is controlling the boards for Miami, averaging 12.0 through four games. Jekiri tied his career high of 13 against Drexel, then set his new mark of 16 the next night, against Akron. The last time a Cane grabbed more than 15 rebounds was in 2011, when Reggie Johnson grabbed 20 against Florida Atlantic.
With his 16 rebounds against Akron, Jekiri now has secured 8+ rebounds in all four games this season. Jekiri also has 10 blocks and six assists for the Canes.
Bench Points Key For The Hurricanes
The Hurricanes now have recorded 20+ points off the bench in all four games this season. Against Howard, Florida and Akron, the bench players scored 25 points and vs. Drexel, 21. James Palmer leads the way with 30 bench points, followed by Omar Sherman (29), Ja’Quan Newton (24), Deandre Burnett (11) and Mike Fernandez (2).
Rodriguez on Cousy Watch List
Junior PG Angel Rodriguez is one of 36 players listed on the watch list for the 2015 Bob Cousy Collegiate Point Guard of the Year Award.
