Miami Aims to End Seven-Game Losing Streak Against Presbyterian
Miami, FL – The University of Miami men’s basketball team is looking to turn things around after a tough stretch, with hopes high for their upcoming game against Presbyterian College. The Hurricanes, struggling with a seven-game losing streak, are set to face off against the Presbyterian Blue Hose on Sunday at home. Despite having a better record (6-5), the Blue Hose are currently ranked 236 in the Ken Pom national ratings, compared to Miami’s 97.
Matchup Overview
While the records may suggest a close contest, Miami brings a more formidable offense, ranked 33rd in the nation, in contrast to Presbyterian’s position at 229. The Hurricanes are coming off a challenging series of games, having faced tough opponents including Arkansas, Clemson, and top-ranked Tennessee. Most recently, Miami played Tennessee at Madison Square Garden in the Jimmy V Classic, where they lost 75-62. Despite the defeat, Miami showed resilience, even leading briefly in the first half.
Player Performances
In the game against Tennessee, center Lynn Kidd emerged as a key player, racking up 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Hurricanes also saw solid contributions from guards Nijel Pack with 12 points and A.J. Staton-McCray who added 11 points. Notably, freshmen Divine Ugochukwu and Isaiah Johnson-Arigu provided a spark in the second half, potentially earning them more playing time moving forward.
Freshman Highlights
Ugochukwu, who hails from Houston, was initially a late addition to the Miami roster, but coach Jim Larranaga quickly recognized his potential. “After about three weeks of watching him in practice, I said, ‘Oh, we’re not redshirting this kid,’” Larranaga stated. Ugochukwu was instrumental in the second half against Tennessee and may see increased opportunities as the season progresses.
Similarly, Johnson-Arigu, who had previously seen limited playing time, made a mark against the Volunteers. Larranaga explained, “Isaiah is one of those laid-back kids, very quiet, but he has improved and will earn his playing time if he keeps progressing.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive signs from individual players, Miami’s coaching staff has emphasized the need for improvements in defense and rebounding. Larranaga noted that inconsistency in those areas has led to challenges in establishing a reliable rotation. “If you’re inconsistent on defense, if you’re inconsistent on rebounding, if you’re inconsistent on offense, you’re not going to earn consistent playing time,” he said.
As the Hurricanes approach their game against Presbyterian, the team aims to build on the slight momentum gained from their last performance. With the confidence from individual efforts and a strong offense, Miami hopes to finally taste victory for the first time in nearly two months. The matchup against Presbyterian presents an opportunity for the Hurricanes to reset and strategize for improvement.
