UConn Basketball: 3 keys to beat Miami Hurricanes in Final Four matchup

UConn Basketball is back at the Final Four and taking on a tough challenge in the Miami Hurricanes. What do the Huskies need to do to prevail?

After beating Iona, Saint Mary’s, and Arkansas, UConn Basketball had what was supposed to be a tough game against Gonzaga in the Elite 8. It ended up being one of the biggest blowouts in the NCAA Tournament, with UConn winning 82-54.

Now in the Final Four, the Huskies take on the Miami Hurricanes, viewed as the toughest opponent for them in the field. After wins over Houston and Texas, the ACC program will be a unique challenge for UConn.

Here are some keys for the Big East program to win this matchup.

1. Limited effectiveness of Norchad Omier

UConn Basketball has the size advantage in this matchup but that doesn’t mean they’ll dominate on the boards. Bigs Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan will have to deal with Miami starting center Omier, who averages a double-double on the season and has pulled down 53 rebounds in four games to this point. He’s an extremely physical big man with a ton of energy that if the Huskies are sleeping, could allow him to go off.

That being said, the Hurricanes have little frontcourt depth if he’s off the court for any reason and his offensive game is limited. If Sanogo gets him in foul trouble or simply has his way inside, Miami will be in some real trouble.

2. Win the backcourt battle

The strength of Miami is on the perimeter, as ACC Player of the Year Isaiah Wong and impact transfer Nijel Pack have both had 25+ point games in the NCAA Tournament. They’re elite shooters and if they get hot, can beat just about anyone. UConn does have a guy that can match that in Jordan Hawkins, who averaged 22 points in wins over Arkansas and Gonzaga.

If he has a good game, the Huskies will be in good shape. And they’ll just need Tristen Newton, Joey Calcaterra, and Nahiem Alleyne to at least just be solid on both ends. Even if they don’t have big nights, they just need to avoid the Hurricane guards from going off.

3. Andre Jackson vs Wooga Poplar

If there was a battle of “glue guys” in this game, it would be between these two. Poplar is the worst starter in the Miami lineup but has had some big games in this tournament. He went for 15 points in the comeback win versus Drake, along with 16 points and four assists against Texas. If he goes for 15+ and the rest of the starters have good games, the Hurricanes will be difficult to beat.

Andre Jackson isn’t a scorer but literally does everything else well. He’s been on triple-double watch in all four games, including racking up 10 assists against Gonzaga, making them pay for playing off him. If he continues averaging 8.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, and 8.5 apg while playing stellar defense, UConn will be able to win this game and make the national title game.