Miami basketball: Freshmen get their chance with Chris Lykes and Kam McGusty out
In the Miami basketball pregame show, head coach Jim Larranaga confirmed that the Hurricanes will be without leading scorers, juniors Chris Lykes and Kam McGusty. Freshmen Harlond Beverly and Isaiah Wong received their first collegiate starts.
The matchup on Saturday between the Miami basketball team and North Carolina at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill was a battle of attrition. The Hurricanes and Tar Heels both had significant roster limitations for the noon tipoff. Miami played without junior guards Chris Lykes and Kam McGusty.
Lykes are McGusty are the two leading scorers for the Hurricanes. In their place, freshmen Harlond Beverly and Isaiah Wong received the first starts of their collegiate careers. Lykes is out with an injured groin and like head coach Jim Larranaga who missed a game earlier this season, McGusty is out with back spasms.
The absences of Lykes and McGusty leaves Miami with six scholarship players and only one averaging more than 6.6 points per game. Lykes’ absence cost Miami 15.7 PPG, 1.8 rebounds 2.6 assists, 1.8 steals and their best on-ball perimeter defender. McGusty takes 14.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.9 APG out of the Miami lineup.
Beverly has been better than his numbers most of the season. The Michigan native has dealt with his own injuries. Beverly is averaging 6.5 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.3 APG. Miami is going to need a big game from senior guard Dejan Vasiljevic. The Aussie is averaging 14.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.1 APG.
Horrible news for UM basketball team. Chris Lykes and Kam McGusty, 2 of top 3 scorers, out with injuries vs UNC. Freshmen Wong, Beverly started. UNC 1-6 in ACC, worst start in school history. Game on ESPN2 @HeraldSports @miamiherald @caneshoops @theACC
— Michelle Kaufman (@kaufsports) January 25, 2020
Junior center Rodney Miller and forwards, junior Sam Waardenburg and Anthony Walker round out the half dozen players available on scholarship on the Miami basketball roster. North Carolina has its own injuries to deal with. The Tar Heels are without leading scorer Cole Anthony and backup guard Jeremiah Francis.
Next. Miami basketball fighting impact of numerous injuries. dark
Miami is expected to be healthy for Tuesday night’s game at home against Virginia Tech. In addition to getting Lykes and McGusty back, graduate transfer forward Keith Stone is also expected to return against the Hokies. Stone has missed the last six games after a reaggravating a knee injury he suffered last season at Florida.