Matthew Cleveland putting up efficient numbers for Miami basketball
Forward Matthew Cleveland has been a critical addition to the Miami basketball program this season. Cleveland had the difficult task of replacing Jordan Miller at the four in the perimeter-oriented Miami system. Cleveland has scored in double figures in all but one game this season.
Cleveland is second on Miami averaging 16.4 points per game and 5.6 rebounds, shooting 56.0 percent from the floor, 45.5 percent on three-point attempts and 77.6 percent from the free throw line while adding 22 steals in 16 games. Cleveland has put up his best numbers this season over the past three games.
The former Florida State forward is averaging 22 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, shooting 58.3 percent from the floor, 46.15 percent on threes and 83.3 percent from the line with four steals and seven assists over the past three games. Miami hosts Florida State on Wednesday night.
Florida State and Miami are playing for the first time since Cleveland hit a 40-foot buzzer-beater for the Seminoles to defeat the Hurricanes 86-83 at the Watsco Center last year. Miami needs Cleveland and Norchad Omier to rebound well versus one of the tallest teams in college basketball.
Cleveland and Omier are the only pair of teammates nationally averaging 15.0 or more points and shooting 55 percent or better from the field this season. Cleveland leads Miami this season with 15 games scoring in double figures. Miami needs continued efficiency from Cleveland and Omier through ACC play.
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Cleveland is recording better numbers than Miller did last season. Miller averaged 15.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.68 assists and shot 54.5 percent from the floor, 35.2 percent on three-point attempts and 78.4 percent from the free throw line. Cleveland is a contender for All-ACC at the end of the season.