Miami hands Charlotte first loss with a big defensive effort
Miami has been to the NCAA tournament just once since joining the ACC in 2004, but the Hurricanes are looking more than capable of getting there this season after wins over Michigan State and Charlotte in two of the last three games.
Yes, it's early and the entire ACC slate awaits the Hurricanes, but this team is playing well on the defensive end and looks confident and hungry.
Seven Miami players blocked at least one shot as the Hurricanes walloped Charlotte 77-46. The 49ers were the only undefeated team remaining in the A-10 entering Friday's games and were off to the best start in school history. Miami hadn't played a game in 13 days but it showed no rust.
Coach Jim Larranaga has the Hurricanes challenging shots and making it tough on opponents to get easy baskets near the rim. After stumbling out of the gate and allowing 79 points to Stetson in the season opener, Miami hasn't allowed another opponent to score more than 63 points.
Miami also overcame the distraction of redshirt freshman Bishop Daniels leaving the team Friday
The Hurricanes have played only twice away from home so far and the first of those occasions resulted in a loss against a gritty Florida Gulf Coast team when Miami was still without guard Durand Scott, who served a suspension earlier this season. Four of the Hurricanes next five games will be played on the road, including a big test in early January against North Carolina.
Scott scored 16 points with 12 rebounds in beating Charlotte and Kenny Kadji led all scorers with 17 points.
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