Take care of the ball
UConn is a dangerous offensive team in the half-court, but they are even scarier when they are running in transition. Obviously, Miami is going to need to score a lot of points to win this game, but limiting live ball turnovers that lead to run-outs and easy baskets is a key way to limit damage.
Miami’s starting five are all generally pretty great at taking care of the ball. Against Texas, Nijel Pack and Isaiah Wong combined for seven turnovers though, so they’ll need to clean that up on Saturday night. The Hurricanes will mainly rely on their starters, but when Anthony Walker, Bensley Joseph, and Harlond Beverly get their bench minutes, they need to make good decisions and not try to do too much.
It’s no secret that Miami wants to win by outscoring you, as the Hurricanes are averaging 87.3 points per game since the opening-round win against Drake. But the Huskies are in quite the offensive rhythm as well, averaging 81.8 points per game in the dance. They don’t have much margin for error though, so it’s important that the Canes end possessions with shot attempts instead of turnovers.
UConn is dangerous when they are out running. Whether it’s Andre Jackson pushing the pace and facilitating, Clingan running the floor, and shooters like Jordan Hawkins and Joey Calcaterra spotting up for transition threes. When the Huskies go on big runs in games, like they have all tournament long, getting out in transition is usually the engine behind it.
Miami’s set defense isn’t a strength of theirs, but it’s undoubtedly harder to score in the half-court than on the fast break. Making UConn earn every bucket is a key to the Canes success Saturday night. Taking care of the ball will go a long way in this one.