NCAA Tournament Predictions: East Region: 2. Miami vs. 15. Pacific

By Kels Dayton
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Updated: March 18, 2013

Guard Shane Larkin (Getty Images)

2 Miami (FL) (27-6, 15-3 ACC)- It’s been a magical season in Coral Gables. Led by head coach Jim Larranaga, the Hurricanes shocked college basketball experts by winning 27 games and capturing both the ACC regular season and tournament titles. Make no mistake about it: this is a good basketball team. Point guard Shane Larkin (son of Cincinnati Reds legend Barry) is the team’s leading scorer at 14.6 points per game. He is a consummate playmaker, dishing out 4.4 assists per game, and he can be deadly from beyond the arc. Larkin paces the ‘Canes on offense, and is an excellent defender as well.

Senior guard Durand Scott (13.2 ppg) is the team’s leader, and he has the ability to score big if needed. He put up 32 points in the ‘Canes win over NC State in the ACC semifinals and had 25 in their memorable 90-63 demolition of Duke. The Hurricanes like to play at a fast pace, but they can also score in the low block with 6-11 senior Kenny Kadji (13.3 ppg, 7 rpg). It is Kadji’s emergence that has helped Miami become an elite team this season. Though he’s struggled in a return from injury this year, senior center Reggie Johnson has had a terrific career and has the potential to vindicate his season by taking over a game in the NCAAs. Like Missouri last season, Miami isn’t used to being in this position, so an early-round upset is possible. Still, betting against Jim Larranaga isn’t something you want to do often.

KEY STATS:

55th Field Goal Percentage (.458)

44th Points Per Possession

287th Assists Per Game (11.2)

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15 Pacific (22-12, 14-5 Big West)- The Tigers don’t score a ton of points, as senior point guard Lorenzo McCloud leads them with 11.4 per game. They are however, Pacific-ocean deep, as 10 guys play at least 11 minutes a game. Pacific shares the basketball, ranking 56th in assists per game.

Because of that, you never know who is going to beat you. Reserve Tony Gill, a 6-8 junior who averages 7 points per game, led the Tigers with 19 in the Big West championship game. Pacific got here by scoring an upset over league champion Long Beach State, and will be making their first NCAA appearance since 2006. This team is also playing for its longtime coach Bob Thomason, who will retire at season’s end.

Pacific has won 7 straight games and owns an impressive early-season win at Xavier. Their numbers might not look gaudy, but this team can be dangerous if not given the respect it deserves.

KEY STATS:

80th Field Goal Percentage (.452)

56th Assists Per Game (14.7)

169th Points Per Game (67.5)

PREDICTION: Miami (FL)

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