Might as well get this started. I honestly don't know what to expect. We've played very well at times and quite poorly. We could have a close game or go down by a lot. I'm looking forward to it. 

Miami has a guard heavy roster. One 6'10" C averaging 6.5 rpg and a 6'8" F avg 8 rpg getting consistent minutes. Hopefully we have an answer.

Pretty weak strength of schedule from both teams thus far.

With 3 games in 4 days, Drake needs to get more production off the bench than they have so far.  Other than Ferguson, virtually zero offensive production off the bench.

Drake and Miami played in NCAA tourney in 2023, and both teams have had almost a complete roster turnover since then. No clue what to expect.

I get Isaiah Jackson is a really good defender, but having absolutely zero production offensively, can't happen. Especially with the lack of bench production already.

ESPN gives Drake an 11.3% chance of winning.

Agreed. One of Combs, Banks, or Howard has to give us a couple baskets and quality defensive minutes. I like Alia a lot, but he doesn't change the game when he's out there in a meaningful way right now. Production from him would be a pleasant surprise.

If we move the ball well I think we'll be in it. Think one of the main keys besides bench production will be Cam's ability to stay on the floor. He cannot pick up quick fouls. I think sometimes that means staying down and not contesting every shot. His rebounding prowess is something no one else can bring at the same level.

Miami has averaged 98 points a game in their 3 wins so far. It's against cupcake opponents but it's still a warning our defense needs to come prepared.

Miami's Non Conference strength of schedule is ranked the lowest in the nation 364th/364. Their Strength of Schedule is also 364/364 in net rating and offensive rating. 363/364 in strength of schedule defensive rating.

Miami is 4th in country for lowest offensive turnover rate. Drake is 4th in the country at creating turnovers per possession. We will need to win that battle to keep the game close.

Miami favored by 10.5

Miami is 3-0 against teams Kenpom ranked 345,326 and 363.  They've got veterans who might comprise of a better team in March than they had when they went to the "Final Four" the year Drake played them with food poisoning. 

6ft Sr Nijel Pack is the only returning player from when Drake played them.  Also returning from last year is the 6’7 Frenchman (not freshman) Sophomore, Paul Djobet.
The rest are new faces who have been on the transfer circuit bigly, plus three top freshmen.  Jalen Blackmon has played at Grand Canyon and Stetson before moving to Miami for his senior year.  AJ Staton-McCray is a 6’5 g/f Sr. from Samford, but is now listed at Miami as 6’4.  Also starting is 6’10 Sr Lynn Kidd.  Played at Clemson, and three years at V Tech, the kid has developed into a very good big man.  Not going to shoot from outside, but doesn’t have to with his nifty spin move around the basket, who can run the floor.  Can Cam stay on the floor defending him? Too much for Nate? 
The reality is Kidd will have four other athletic guys on the floor with him all of the time.  

As Darth mentioned to me, it should be interesting to see how BMc prepares the ‘Dogs for a bigger and more athletic team than Drake.  The good news, like Drake, they have ten new players.  Drake’s win a couple years ago over Mississippi State was big, but "The U of Mississippi State" didn't have shooters.  This Miami team can play in the paint and shoot the three.  Last year, Nevada was big, really big, but not as quick up and down the floor as Miami can play.

It's early, and the Hurricanes have played some awful teams.  However, they are shooting 43% from three (14^th) and 67 from two (5^th), ranked 4^th in turnover percentage, and 81% from the free throw line.  2^nd in effective FG.
Drake,359^th in turnover, 326^th from the line.  Got to clean those two up, and quickly.

Let's not forget, even in the past few winning years, Drake wasn't always victorious in these November tournaments. 

-10.5    o/u143.5

Line has come down to 9.5, which means $$ being placed on the Bulldogs

ESPN2 at 11 AM (central time)

Daniel has a little experience guarding a ‘big’ big. His defense against a 7’2” Augusta player in the ‘21 D2 title game was a big reason NW won. He’s stronger and smarter now so hopefully he can hold his own if Cam gets in foul trouble

I’m not finding the game on ESPN2 upcoming events. What am I missing?

User error?

Rumors a fan who believes West End is the best end bet his private plane on the Bulldogs....

Let's go! Great start. Obviously, Miami will get it going, but nice to see us ready to play. Let's see how long we can hold the lead. 

Foul trouble could end up biting us.

Didn’t expact to see Alia on the court for the majority of the half.

Good start but cooled down last few minutes. Gotta hold lead going into half