Miami basketball without Nijel Pack versus Duke, expected back against GA Tech
Guard Nijel Pack will miss his second consecutive game for the Miami basketball team on Wednesday night versus Duke. Pack sat on Saturday's loss at Boston College. Head coach Jim Larranaga announced on Tuesday Pack would be out versus Duke but is expected to return on Saturday versus Georgia Tech.
Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun Sentinel provided the update from Larranaga and that forward Matthew Cleveland missed practice on Monday with an illness but was expected to return on Tuesday. Miami has been hindered by injuries all season. All five Miami starters have missed games during the 2023-24 season.
Pack is third on Miami this season, averaging 13.7 points per game, and is second with 47 three-point field goals and 83 assists. Pack has been inconsistent at times this season, with six games scoring in single digits. Two of Pack's single-digit performances have occurred in his last three games played.
Before missing the loss at Boston College, Pack went scoreless on 0-7 from the floor and 0-4 on three-point attempts in a 77-60 Miami loss at Clemson. Bensley Joseph will start in place of Pack on Wednesday versus Duke. Joseph is averaging 8.6 points per game and 3.5 assists.
Jim Larrañaga said Nijel Pack won’t be available for tomorrow’s game against Duke but is expected to return later in the week.
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) February 20, 2024
The Hurricanes play Georgia Tech on Saturday.
Matthew Cleveland also missed practice yesterday with an illness but should be back today.
Joseph has started 21 of 26 Miami games this season. After being a starter during the first half of the season, Larranaga swapped Kyshawn George for Joseph in the starting lineup. Injuries to Cleveland, forward Norchad Omier, Pack and guard Wooga Poplar have neccessitated Joseph starting most games.
After beginning the season ranked 13th in the Associated Press Top 25, Miami likely has to win the ACC Tournament to have any chance at an NCAA Tournament berth. Miami is 15-11 overall and 6-9 in 12th place in the ACC entering the game with Duke. Miami would have to win five straight games to win the ACC Tournament.
Next. Nijel Pack could have played last Miami game. Nijel Pack could have played last Miami game. dark
After Georgia Tech, Miami finishes the regular season at North Carolina, versus Boston College and at Florida State. Miami needs a few wins to avoid playing on the first day of the ACC Tournament. Miami wil be favored versus Boston College and Georgia Tech.