The Miami basketball team returns home on Saturday to host LaSalle. Miami lost 90-63 on Sunday versus Colorado at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn. The Hurricanes dropped nine spots in the rankings released on Monday. Miami has fallen 16 spots in the polls in the last two weeks.
Miami has to cut down on the turnovers, improve their points in the paint and rebound better versus LaSalle. Turnovers will be critical versus LaSalle. The Explorers have a turnover percentage of 13.0 to 16.8 for Miami. Miami is 248th nationally allowing 12.6 offensive rebounds per game. LaSalle averages 10.3 ORPG.
Four Explorers average in double figures led by guard Khalil Brantley at 16.1 points per game, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Expect Bensley Joseph to start the game guarding Brantley. Miami needs to get Nijel Pack going offensively. In the losses to Colorado and Kentucky, Pack scored nine points on 4-13 from the floor and 3-9 on threes.
La Salle can score averaging 76.2 points per game. Miami needs to assert its will early. Miami is 14th nationally averaging 42.1 first-half PPG. La Salle is 241st averaging 32.3 PPG in the first half. Playing at home, Miami needs Pack to shoot well versus La Salle. Miami has two games remaining after La Salle before resuming ACC play.
La Salle at Miami Basketball: Game 10 Info
Date: Sat., Dec. 16, 2023, Time: 12 p.m. ET, Location: Coral Gables, Fla., Arena: Watsco Center Live Stats: miami.statbroadcast.com, Television: The CW, Radio: 560 WQAM, Series: 9-9, at Miami: 7-3, at La Salle: 1-6, Neutral: 1-0, Last Meeting: W, 85-49 (11/22/18)
La Salle (8-2, 0-0 A-10), Head Coach: Fran Dunphy (La Salle ‘70), Record at LSU: 23-21, Career Record: 603-346, Record vs. UM: 0-1. #24 Miami (7-2, 1-0 ACC), Head Coach: Jim Larrañaga (Providence ‘71), Record at UM: 262-151, Career Record: 732-485, Record vs. LSU: 5-0 Courtesy MiamiHurricanes.Com
La Salle at Miami: Fan Duel Odds
Spread: Miami minus 16.5 Total 152.5 Over (-115) Under (-105) Moneyline: La Salle plus 1060, Miami minus 2300 Courtesy FanDuel
Prediction
La Salle will be one of the better teams Miami has played this season. Outside of the five games verusus Power Conference teams, La Salle is the first true midmajor Miami will play this season. After the decisive loss to Colorado, Miami has to prove it can cover the spread. The 16.5 points are a lot to lay. Take La Sale and the points.
Miami should win the game, but not cover. Both teams can score. When Miami is playing at its best the game is played at a high pace. La Salle and Miami are good teams offensively who should eclipse the 154.5 total. Expect Miami to get Wooga Poplar and Norchad Omier involved early. That should open outside shots for Pack.
Miami will be off until Thursday when they host Stonehiil. North Florida will play at Miami on December 29 in the Hurricanes' last non-conference game of the 2023-24 season. Miami needs to finish December strong. Thirteenth ranked Clemson plays at Miami on January 3 to resume ACC play.