Miami not feeling pressure heading into NC State game

[IE]

After Miami lost by 17 points at North Carolina on Jan. 10, falling to 0-2 in the ACC, guard Malcolm Grant called a team meeting.

His message: "We just have to stick together."

He then said entering Wednesday's game against Clemson that he was "extremely confident" and there was "no need to panic." The Hurricanes' 76-73 win tested their resolve.

"They took the lead in crunch time, and there wasn't any bickering," Grant said afterward.
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"Having the attitude and mind set of not panicking, you can credit that to coach," forward DeQuan Jones noted.

"We've been in those late-game situations and in the past we've come up unsuccessful, but coach [Jim Larranaga] has done a great job with just being calm in the midst of everything, showing that he trusts us and that we can be successful in this current situation."

Now the Hurricanes will face the North Carolina State Wolfpack (14-5, 3-1) Sunday at noon at BankUnited Center. With upcoming games at Georgia Tech and Boston College and home against Maryland, it's conceivable they'll take a five-game winning streak into their Feb. 5 game at Duke.

But it starts with N.C. State, which has been a surprising success in Coach Mark Gottfried's first season. Five Wolfpack players are averaging double figures in scoring ? F Scott Wood (12.9), F C.J. Leslie (12.9), G Lorenzo Brown (12.7), F Richard Howell (12.2) and G C.J. Williams (12.1). The 'Pack are averaging 76.9 points.

"They've got great balance in their offensive attack ? they can hurt you in a lot of different ways," Larranaga said.



Quick hits

?Larranaga confirmed that freshman G Bishop Daniels will redshirt.

?G Garrius Adams will be out four to six weeks after knee surgery Thursday, Larranaga said.

 

[IE]

Three to know: N.C. State at Miami


1. Wolfpack could be without Williams

N.C. State?s senior guard C.J. Williams left Thursday night?s victory against Boston College with an injured right shoulder. After missing practice on Friday, his status for today?s game is in doubt. It will be a tough loss for the Wolfpack as the former Jack Britt High School standout is the team?s best perimeter defender. The Hurricanes feature several threats on the perimeter, including Durand Scott (12.9 ppg) and Malcolm Grant (13.4 ppg).

2. Under the weather

While N.C. State has had some rough patches in conference play in recent seasons, it hasn?t run into trouble against Miami. Miami hasn?t beaten the Wolfpack since 2009. Last season, the Wolfpack took a 72-70 decision in Raleigh.

3. Spreading it around

For proof of just how diversified N.C. State?s offensive attack is, consider that the Wolfpack has five players averaging 12 points per game. Scott Wood, C.J. Leslie, Richard Howell, C.J. Williams and Lorenzo Brown have all scored 20 or more points in a game this season.

 

[IE]

Wolfpack looks at potential lineup issues




Lineup changes don?t come with comfort for North Carolina State coach Mark Gottfried.

But he?s preparing for another one just in case that?s needed this afternoon at Miami.

?In a perfect world, I would like to have the same group,? Gottfried said. ?Part of the game over the course of a 30-game season, you?re going to have some of those and you have to be good enough to roll on.?

With the possibility that senior guard C.J. Williams won?t be available because of a shoulder injury suffered Thursday night against Boston College, there might be a dent in the Wolfpack?s rotation.

?We?re a team that has played a rotation of seven guys and we can?t afford injuries,? Gottfried said.

The Wolfpack used an alternate starting lineup last weekend at Wake Forest, but that came about because of a one-game disciplinary situation regarding forward C.J. Leslie ? and he played in that game as a reserve.

Gottfried said he isn?t prone to make changes to routine when things are going well. N.C. State has won eight of its last nine games.

?Most people do, especially if you?re winning,? Gottfried said of keeping the same lineup. ?I do think players get in a rhythm, even players coming off the bench.?

Williams and point guard Lorenzo Brown have started every game this season for the Wolfpack, while guard Scott Wood was out of the starting lineup for three games after he suffered a November ankle injury.

?I?m not a guy that makes a lot of excuses,? Gottfried said. ?If a guy is out, for whatever reason, (and) isn?t playing, then we have to step forward and play and move on.?

The Wolfpack is the only team in the conference with five players averaging 12 or more points per game.

N.C. State, which plays five of its next seven games on the road, hasn?t won more than one ACC road game during a season in six years, so that?s something else the Wolfpack hopes to accomplish today.

 

[Cappin Kirk]

Thanks IE! This is one of the reasons I come to this forum. Just wanted to let you know it's appreciated.

 

[IE]

Thanks IE! This is one of the reasons I come to this forum. Just wanted to let you know it's appreciated.

no prob,glad to help.

 

[Oliver's Army]

any status update on CJ Wiliams for the Pack? will he play???

 

[Cappin Kirk]

North Carolina State coach Mark Gottfried says senior guard C.J. Williams is "doubtful but hopeful" for Sunday's game at Miami.

 

[Cappin Kirk]

scout just released an update 5min ago, but I don't have access.