NCAA Basketball: Kentucky, Arkansas fall in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
12. Miami FL (4-0)
Just over seven months removed from the first Final Four in program history, it’s easy to understand the excitement around Miami basketball. Jim Larranaga’s program has made incredible strides in recent seasons and they aren’t done quite yet. A few important pieces from last year’s run are gone but those who remains (and some new faces) have gotten this season off to a hot start.
It hasn’t always been pretty for Hurricanes, as was the case in their Monday win over Florida International, an 86-80 affair. Transfer Matthew Cleveland led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds while Bensley Joseph and Wooga Poplar each added 18 points. The Hurricanes then headed to the Bahamas and took care of Georgia 79-68 in the first game of the Bahamas Championship. All five starters scored in double figures led again by Cleveland, who had 18 points in the win.
What the Hurricanes has done has been enough through four games, though clearly things will get tougher in the weeks ahead. The roster has adjusted well after losing Jordan Miller and Isaiah Wong, especially with the contributions of Cleveland, a transfer from Florida State. Sunday brings the title game of the Bahamas Championship, though there’s a very tricky road game looming at the end of the month for Miami.