Game Day: Miami vs. Savannah State - Dec. 8
| No. 15 Miami vs. Savannah State | |
| When | Dec. 8, 2014 |
| Where | BankUnited Center | Coral Gables, Fla. |
| Tickets | CanesTix.com |
| Television | ESPN3 |
| Radio | 560 WQAM | WVUM 90.5 | Sirius 119 |
| Live Stats | HurricaneSports.com |
| Notes | Miami | Savannah State |
| Social Media | Twitter: @CanesHoops | Facebook: CanesHoops | Instagram: CanesHoops |
| About the Canes | Renewed Hoops | Homecoming: The Angel Rodriguez Story |
| Attending a Game | Visit Coral Gables | Coral Gables Weather | Directions | Parking Info |
The Game
No. 15 Miami hosts Savannah State on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the BankUnited Center, in the fourth of five-straight home games for the Hurricanes.
The Series
Miami is 4-0 in the all-time series against Savannah State, which dates back to the 1988-89 season. The Canes are 3-0 against the Tigers at home and 1-0 on the road. Miami won the last matchup with Savannah State, defeating the Tigers, 68-51, on Dec. 19, 2013 in Georgia.
The Broadcasts
Catch the game on ESPN3 with Drew Fellios and Drew Nicholas making the call. Also check out the game on 560 WQAM Radio with Joe Zagacki, the Voice of the Hurricanes, as well as WVUM 90.5 radio, Miami’s student station.
The Coach
Head coach Jim Larrañaga has a 544-371 overall record in his 31st season as a head coach. He is 74-37 in his third season at the University of Miami.
The Polls (as of Dec. 7)
AP: Miami -15; Savannah State – None USA TODAY: Miami – 15; Savannah State – None
KenPom.com: Miami – 27; Savannah State – 310 NCAA RPI: Miami – 19; Savannah State – 290
The Weather
Projected temperatures on game day: Coral Gables – 79/61. Savannah, Ga. – 53/41.
Reed Returns to the Lineup
Sophomore guard Davon Reed returned to the court on Dec. 6 against Green Bay after sitting out the first eight games rehabbing a knee injury. Reed tallied one steal in eight minutes against the Phoenix, bringing needed energy to the game.
Burnett Breaks Out in Back-to-Back Games
Redshirt freshman Deandre Burnett broke out for 40 points off the bench over two games this week for the Hurricanes, after missing the past four contests due to an injury. He hit six shots from long range and shot 46.9 percent from the field, and added 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals, in 26.5 minutes per game. Against No. 24/25 Illinois, Burnett notched 19 points and 8 rebounds in 24 minutes, hitting 7-16 from the field and knocking down a trio of 3-pointers. Against Green Bay, Burnett scored 21 of Miami’s 55 points, adding three rebounds, two steals and a block in 29 minutes. He hit 50 percent (8-16) of his shots, again draining three shots from distance.
Burnett has now led the team in scoring in two of his three appearances.
With his 21 points against the Phoenix, Burnett is the first freshman to score more than 20 points in a game since Durand Scott had 21 against Duke on March 13, 2010.
Thomas Strong in the Paint vs. Green Bay
Senior forward Joe Thomas grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds against Green Bay on Dec. 6. His previous season-best was five against Howard, and career-best was when he played at Niagara, an 11-rebound performance vs. Rider on Jan. 2, 2014.
UM Shooting Nearly 50 Percent
Miami is shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three while holding opponents to 39.2 percent and 28.5 percent, respectively.
The Canes have shot better than 50 percent from the field in four of their last six games, and have shot better than 43.9 percent in every game except vs. Illinois (37.9%) and Green Bay (32.8%).
