Miami
vs.
Notre Dame
College Basketball Pick
3/2/16
Notre Dame was looking like a real threat for the ACC title, but maybe the pressure got to them. After defeating North Carolina and Louisville, the Fighting Irish followed that up with losses to Georgia Tech and Florida State, two teams with losing Conference records. The latest of which was a beat down, losing by 21 points at FSU.
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To get back on track, Notre Dame must take down a Miami team coming off wins against Virginia and Louisville. The difference of course is that the Irish haven’t lost at home in awhile, and the last time the Hurricanes played on the road, they fell by 25 points in Raleigh.
The last time these teams played, it was a usual result for Miami, as its guards led the way. Angel Rodriguez, Sheldon McClellan and Ja’Quan Newton scored 12 points apiece, while Tonye Jekiri dominated the boards with 12. Anthony LAwrence also provided a big Game off the bench with 18 points, as Notre Dame had no answers.
Demetrious Jackson has had recent road struggles, and that Game was at the peak of those struggles as he scored just six points on 3-of-11 shooting. For the Irish to win Games, Jackson needs to have a good day, and his 16.3 points per Game average shows that. The last time they were at home, Jackson went for 27 points against Louisville, hitting six 3s in the process. OUtside of Jackson, double-double man Zach Auguste battled early foul trouble and only played 24 minutes in that first meeting. Benzie Colson did well off the bench with 17 points, but having Auguste be a factor is vital to how well the Irish play.
The win this Game, the Irish need to figure out how to limit what the Miami guards can do. OUtside of Auguste, no one really was in foul trouble and it would be better for Notre Dame to play a little more physical on the perimeter. That means guys like Jackson and Steve Vasturia will have to pick up their defense and limit the Miami guards from easy buckets in the paint.
Jekiri limited Auguste in the first Game and that will once again be an important battle down low. Jekiri’s length will once again give Auguste problems, and Auguste will have to find a way around that with his athleticism.
But from what we’ve seen, Notre Dame can beat anyone at home and this one will be no different. SCoring won’t be as easy for the Hurricanes this time around and if they aren’t hitting shots from deep, they’ll need to find ways to Scoreoutside of their guards. Assuming LAwrence doesn’t come in and Scorea season high for Miami again, this Game’s advantage goes to the Irish at home and if McClellan or Rodriguez aren’t hitting shots from deep, they’ll be in trouble.
But this also requires Demetrious Jackson to get back on his Game. The Irish go as Jackson goes and he has failed to hit his season average in the last three Games. With the Irish looking to get back on track, they’ll turn to Jackson as usual and hope he can get them the win.
predicted Score- Miami 79 ND 74