The Irish took on a dangerous Miami team that came to South Bend at 3-1 against ranked teams on the year (12-4 overall), fresh off of a 90-74 win at Duke. After watching Duke run out to a 20-point lead before winning at Louisville on ESPN while waiting for tipoff, the danger of this Miami team was quite evident. There was reason for confidence aside from the usual Purcell Pavilion home-court advantage in this one, however, as it was reported that Zach Auguste was returning to the lineup after sitting out due to academics.
It was Bonzie Colson who got the start, likely as a reward for his work against Georgia Tech, and he continued to play bigger than his stature on the inside with a couple of boards and two blocks. Auguste would enter the game in the first half and provide an immediate impact with board and a lay-in on his first possession, but thanks to some cold shooting from three (2 of 14) the Irish offense would continue to sputter. On the other side, Miami shot the ball quite well, something they have relied on in their big wins this year. All of this amounted to a one-point deficit at the half for the Irish.
The game got interesting in the second half. Miami came out hot and jumped out to a 12-point lead, leaving the Irish in need of a gut-check in two straight games. Mike Brey and his squad would rise to the challenge, however, with an interesting all-guard lineup, a pumped-up coach, and the resurgence of Jerian Grant as a clutch player.
The Open-Post Offense
After a Jerian Grant turnover around the 15:30 mark in the second half and a nine-point deficit, Mike Brey called a timeout to slow the Miami run. Miami Coach Jim Larranaga had gone small with the Hurricanes lineup, and to respond, Brey inserted VJ Beachem in place of Zach Auguste. With Jackson, Grant, Connaughton, Vasturia and Beachem on the floor, the Irish looked similar to the team that Brey trotted out for the second-half of the Georgia Tech game, and matched up better against the guard-heavy Hurricanes. They took advantage of mismatches, most notably picking on Miami’s seven-foot center Tonye Jekiri, attacked the basket, and – most importantly – began to heat up from behind the three-point line. After not making a three beyond the 5:51 Mark in the first half, Demetrius Jackson finally got one to fall at the 14:15 mark, sparking the run that would put the Hurricanes away.
Coach Hard, Coach Brey
Just before the aforementioned run, Mike Brey was so animated in getting his guys fired up that ESPN put him in his own picture-in-picture on the screen for your enjoyment. It worked; between Coach pumping his arms, shooters hitting shots and Miami cooling off, the Irish became energized and ended up winning the ball game. I’d like to see the Irish get up for these games naturally, but I still love seeing Brey on the sidelines in times like these. Whatever it takes, man.
SOUTH BEND, IN – JANUARY 17: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish seen on the sidelines during the game against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes at Purcell Pavilion on January 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Miami 75-70. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Jerian Grant Does Jerian Grant Things
I know that Grant is receiving all kinds of recognition, most notably as a mid-season Wooden Watch list member and for that huge dunk in the first meeting with Georgia Tech, but it still needs to be said: 23 points and eight assists with a steal and a block is a huge stat line for a college player. Against Miami, Grant made some of the shots we were used to seeing him drill in the early season. After being quiet in the past few games as the focal point of the opposing defenses, Grant stepped up and made some huge plays down the stretch. He hit a big step-back three and a few strong three-point-plays, and capped off the late run by slashing to the basketball and finishing when Miami turned up the pressure with under a minute left. And also, I’m not entirely sure if he was credited for an assist, but he certainly should have been when he found Steve Vasturia in the lane for a tough lay-in – from the ground.
Everything Else
That was Miami’s first road loss of the season, and it’s another win to really feel good about if you’re Notre Dame. That’s not to say that it was all good – there are plenty of learning points. The Irish came out a bit flat, especially at the beginning of the second half, but really put the pedal down when they needed to. I will say, however, that the open three given up on an inbound pass by VJ Beachem was pretty bad. Perhaps that’s what really sparked the run, as Jackson would respond on the next trip down the court, but, man. Wake up, VJ! The shooter didn’t even move have to move!
Can’t say anything else bad about Beachem, however. He can shoot. On a cold shooting night, he got hot during the run in the second half, and his teammates followed suite. It was his shooting that really helped change the complexion of the game in the second half.
I’d also like to point out my favorite thing about Demetrius Jackson: his defense. He’s been really great this year as a consistent offensive threat (we’ve seen his huge dunks and he’s hitting his shots, plus he had that outstanding put back in the second half to tie the game), but his athleticism and quickness on the defense end have been the things that really stand out to me. I’m not sure if Notre Dame has ever had a point guard who is athletic enough to meet the defense at half court in man-to-man. Maybe Chris Thomas?
I still like Zach Auguste. After being pulled in the second half, and even after his academic issues this week, he was first on the bench to stand up and cheer his teammates on. I think that speaks to the leadership and togetherness on this year’s team.
With Sheldon Mclellen (17 points) and Ja’Quon Newton (16 points off the bench), Miami is a team that knows its identity and is a tough out. I think the Irish are lucky that Angel Rodriguez did not play particularly well for the ‘Canes, but some of that may have to do with Demetrius Jackson playing pestering defense. Miami will win plenty more games this year, but the Irish looked great in the second half. At this point, you can’t help but entertain the thought of a top-five finish in the ACC, especially if they continue to play well. They’ll have to, as they head to Virginia Tech on Thursday and North Carolina St. on Sunday, before hosting Duke on the 28th.
