Syracuse Basketball: 5 things to know heading into Miami matchup

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 15: Chris Lykes #2 of the Miami Hurricanes raises his arms to get the crowd excited during the first half of the game against the Duke Blue Devils at The Watsco Center on January 15, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

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1. What were expectations for the Hurricanes heading into this season?

Very good, but tough question to answer. Hours before Miami played their first game this season their best player, Dewan Hernandez had his eligibility called into question. They had to get off to a great start during the non-conference schedule. That didn’t happen. After starting 5-0, Miami lost their next four games. Two of those were to Ivy League teams, first to Yale who has one of the best players in the country in Miye Oni. Oni blitzed the Hurricanes for 29 points on 10-of-15 from the floor, 8-of-10 from the free throw line and added six rebounds. Miami blew a 15 point lead against the Bulldogs/Yaelis/Elis.

The Hurricanes played at Penn two nights later. The Quakers controlled the game from the start in an 89-75 victory. Miami ran off a three-game winning streak at the end of non-conference play. An 8-4 record heading into the ACC is not likely enough of a cushion to reach the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year. That would be a program record.

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