Matthew Cleveland out versus North Carolina State

Matthew Cleveland will miss his second consecutive game for the Miami basketball team on Tuesday night at North Carolina State. Cleveland suffered a hip injury two games ago versus Notre Dame. Miami defeated Notre Dame with Cleveland playing only 11 minutes and Pittsburgh with the junior forward out.

Expect Bensley Joseph to receive his second consecutive start with Cleveland out. Kyshawn George will play the four with Cleveland out. Norchad Omier has been exceptional in the last two games after missing the Notre Dame with an ankle injury. Joseph will start with Nijel Pack and Wooga Poplar in the three-guard Miami lineup.

Freshman Paul Djobet scored two points and had one rebound and one assist in 18:33 in the win over Pittsburgh. Freshman center Michael Nwoko scored three points and had two rebounds in 4:26 versus Pittsburgh. Djobet received his first playing time in a month versus Pittsburgh.

Jim Larranaga used the opportunity of Cleveland being out versus Pittsburgh to change the rotation. Djobet passed Christian Watson and Nwoko has taken the place of A.J. Casey in the rotation for Miami. Larranaga has remained using a tight rotation. All five Miami starters played over 31 minutes versus Pittsburgh.

Only two North Carolina State players average over 31 minutes. North Carolina State plays eight players who average at least 14 minutes per game. Miami and North Carolina State both prefer an uptempo style. The Hurricanes are 60th, averaging 74.0 possessions per game. The Wolfpack is 135th, averaging 72 possessions per game.

Miami had a 19-point second-half lead over Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Panthers rallied and had a final possession with 10 seconds remaining and a chance to tie or win. Larranaga might have to provide Djobet and Nwoko with more playing time versus North Carolina State if the starters tire in the second half.