Home Blog Page 145

REVIEW: ‘Wicked’ masterfully teaches you how to be popular

Anna Hanonick
-
0
REVIEW: ‘Wicked’ masterfully teaches you how to be popular

Nothing got the entire world singing more than the release of “Wicked.”

After its debut as a Broadway musical in 2003, “Wicked” became a cultural phenomenon known for its iconic songs, enchanted world and unforgettable exploration of friends. After 20 years, we finally got its long-anticipated film adaptation. 

“Wicked” showcases the story of a young woman named Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, born with green skin and a strange power who gets pulled into an adventure of magic and mystery. She navigates her new mystical powers alongside her new BFF (best frenemies forever) named Glinda, whose practically perfect wardrobe is permanently pink. 

But will the two ever make it to the gleaming emerald city, and if they do, will they be able to handle what they discover? Let’s find out.

Ariana Grande’s all-star performance

Ariana Grande’s primary label as a pop star had critics questioning whether transitioning from singing hits like “7 Rings” to performing Broadway classics like “Popular.” With strong contenders like Amanda Seyfried, Reneé Rapp and Taylor Louderman also vying for the role, Grande faced high expectations.

Grande was determined to prove herself. She immediately hired a vocal coach and underwent rigorous training to prepare for the audition. Her hard work paid off, and she delivered a performance that silenced critics. 

Her portrayal of Glinda showcases her amazing range as a performer, combining her powerful vocals with a balanced interpretation of the character. Grande’s dedication and talent transformed her into a new Glinda fans will love for years.

The songs

The sound, songs and music in “Wicked”  has received high praise for decades. The film avoids relying on quick edits or heavily processed vocals and focuses on the actors’ raw talent.

The iconic songs “No One Mourns the Wicked” and “Defying Gravity” were the heart of the film, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivering emotional performances that capture their bond and personal growth.

The performances

Thanks to the standout performances by Grande and Erivo alongside Jonathan Bailey, this Broadway classic became a blockbuster.

I was impressed at how naturally Bailey was able to transform into a suave womanizer, given that is quite the opposite of his nature.

Each performer brought such authenticity to their character that it seemed as though they were destined to play them. Erico masterfully showed how Elphaba was getting more comfortable being with Glinda. 

Their friendship showed the true depth of a close bond, which was very moving in a lot of ways. 

Final thoughts

“Wicked” combines a heartfelt storyline with unforgettable music to reimagine the world of Oz, leaving audiences with an inspiring message about good and evil.

The cast brought the film to life and made this movie heartfelt and powerful. They sure set the bar high for “Wicked: Part 2.” 

Miami Football set to play Iowa State in Pop Tart bowl

Shea Mcdonald
-
0
Miami Football set to play Iowa State in Pop Tart bowl

With the heartbreaking loss to Syracuse dropping the Miami Hurricanes to 10-2  their chances at the College Football Playoffs were brought to zero. With no hope at the postseason the Hurricanes both player and fan entered selection Sunday with a mix of boredom and disappointment. That being said Miami football does have one more game to play and it will be the Pop Tart Bowl against Iowa State.

The Hurricanes played with fire all season requiring several double digit point comebacks, playing in five-one-score games and they got burned twice in losses to Georgia Tech (7-5) and Syracuse (9-3). These two in-conference losses dropped Miami to third in the ACC behind Clemson and SMU and without playing in the conference championship as well as a lack of signature ranked wins Miami was left on the outside looking as the CFP’s second team out of playoffs.

The story for Iowa State is a little different. The Cyclones finished 10-3 and barely made it to the Big-12 championship where they lost handedly to Arizona State 45-19. They’re led through the air by redshirt Sophomore Rocco Becht and the dynamic duo of senior receivers in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel who both eclipsed the 1000 yard mark but they’re Iowa State’s only two receivers who have more than 300 yards. Defensively they struggle on the ground allowing five yards per carry and a total of 179 per game. They’re much better against the pass as qb’s only complete about 53% of their passes for a little over 160 yards per game. With Miami’s struggles against the pass this season as well as their reliance on the air game the Cyclones should present an interesting challenge.

In the coming weeks it will be very interesting to see how this Hurricanes roster looks going into the Pop Tart bowl. Miami’s roster is littered with many draft eligible prospects. Cam Ward, Xavier Restrepo, and Tyler Baron just to name a few. Like many other prospects in recent years they could shift their focus towards preparing for the professional level instead of playing in the bowl game. The transfer portal could be another big factor in Miami’s gameday roster. Sophomore running back Chris Johnson Jr. and transfer quarterback Reese Poffenbarger are just two notable names who are already expected to transfer. Between these NFL prospects and transfers coach Cristobal could get a chance to test Miami’s depth and take a look at the future of the team as he looks to build off the success of this year.

Offensively the potential connection between sophomores Emory Williams and standout receiver Isaiah Horton, with the freshman speedster Jordan Lyle out of the backfield is something Miami can look forward to if the Canes upperclassmen decide to sit. Miami’s defense did struggle in spots but does have some bright spots with its youth. Rueben Bain is one who wants to end the season strong, after a strong freshman year injuries sent him into a sophomore slump. Him along with freshman cornerback OJ Frederique showed flashes as a lockdown boundary corner, and five star freshman defensive lineman and 11th ranked prospect of the 2024 class Justin Scott are potential cornerstones that Miami wants to see end the season on a high note. 

Though it might not be the way Miami wants the season to end, a bowl win would be a big step for a team who has 2 bowl wins since 2006. The Pop Tart Bowl between the Canes and Cyclones will take place in Camping World Stadium in Orlando on December 28. It was the site of Miami’s last bowl win during the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl.

Top-seeded Nebraska ends Miami volleyball’s season in straight sets

Max Diaz
-
0

Miami volleyball’s season came to an end on Saturday, when it was swept by No. 1 seed Nebraska in the second round of the NCAA tournament. It was a rough way to end the season, as the ’Canes scored less than 20 points in each of the three sets played.

The final scores of the match were 25-19, 25-14 and 25-18. Despite the loss, junior Flormarie Heredia Colon still had a high-quality performance by notching 14 kills, 12 digs and three blocks.

Set one did not start off great for the Hurricanes, as the Cornhuskers had a 6-3 lead after a kill by senior Merritt Beason. That lead remained a trend for the rest of the set, as the ’Canes never closed the gap for the remainder of it. The closest Miami got to Nebraska for the rest of the set was when Nebraska held an 8-6 lead. The set finally ended with an attacking error by Heredia Colon, and Nebraska won the set 25-19.

Set two went even worse for the ‘Canes than set one, as they never held the lead even for a single point. Nebraska started off with an 8-4 lead off a kill by senior Taylor Landfair. That lead got even larger after an ace by senior Kennedi Orr to make the score 19-10. The Cornhuskers ended this domination of a set with a score of 25-14 to take a 2-0 match lead.

The third and final set for both the match and the Hurricanes’ season went just about the same as the other two. It did not start off that way, as the ’Canes had a 3-2 lead after a kill by sophomore Ava Carney. Unfortunately for Miami, right after that kill, the Cornhuskers went on a 7-0 scoring run that made the score 9-3. The Hurricanes made a slight comeback with the help of an ace by junior Naylani Feliciano to bring the score to 9-6. Despite the small run, Miami was never able to close the gap for the rest of the set and Nebraska ended both the set, match and UM’s season with a kill by sophomore Bergen Reilly. The final score of the set was 25-18.

With the loss, the 2024 Hurricanes’ volleyball campaign has officially come to an end. They finished with a record of 22-11 (12-8 ACC). In addition to reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament, the ’Canes finished eighth in the conference, had four ranked wins, had an 11-2 home record and had two All-ACC players.

Miami volleyball sweeps South Dakota State to move on to the second round of NCAA Tournament

Max Diaz
-
0
Miami volleyball sweeps South Dakota State to move on to the second round of NCAA Tournament

After a 21-10 (ACC 12-8) Miami volleyball was able to earn a NCAA tournament bid where they headed to Lincoln, NE to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Friday evening. The match turned out to be simple for the ‘Canes as they swept the Jackrabbits, 3-0.

The final scores of the match were 25-17, 25-23 and 25-15. The stars of the match for the ‘Canes were their usual star duo: junior Flormarie Heredia Colon, who was named to the All-ACC 1st Team, notched 21 kills and 13 digs, while sophomore Grace Lopez, who was named to the All-ACC 2nd Team, tallied 12 kills along with 10 digs.

Set one started off well for the Hurricanes, as they held a 8-6 advantage after an ace by redshirt freshman Ariana Rodriguez. Miami maintained their momentum later in the set when they went on a 7-1 scoring run to make the score 19-10. SDSU had a late 3-0 run in the set, but they never came close to the ‘Canes in the end as Miami finished them off with a kill by Lopez to give themselves the 25-17 set victory.

The beginning of set two was probably the toughest part of the entire match for the Hurricanes, as a 6-0 run helped the Jackrabbits to start off with a dominating 11-3 lead. Things looked good for South Dakota State around the halfway point of the set as they maintained their lead at 15-7. However, the ‘Canes had different plans because right after that they went on a 7-0 run to put themselves within a point to the tie at 15-14. The rest of the set was neck and neck, but it ended up going in Miami’s favor with the ‘Canes finishing it off with a 3-0 run featuring two kills by Heredia Colon to give Miami the 25-23 set win.

After the big comeback in set two, things were smooth sailing for Miami in the third and final set. The Hurricanes had an early lead, 4-2, after a kill from Lopez. This small opening lead was greatly enlarged later when the ‘Canes went on a 6-0 run to make the score 18-7. The Jackrabbits managed to get a few points after that but the Miami lead was too much as the ‘Canes finished off the match with back-to-back kills by Lopez and Heredia Colon to obtain the 25-15 set win as well as the 3-0 match victory.

With the win, the ‘Canes move on to the second round to face the No. 3 (No. 1 seed) Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8:00 pm. This will be the Hurricanes’ hardest test of the season yet as the Cornhuskers have only lost two matches the entire season.

Hurricanes collapse in final minutes, lose to Clemson 65-55

Zach Cohen
-
0
Hurricanes collapse in final minutes, lose to Clemson 65-55

The Hurricanes’ struggles continued Saturday as their losing streak extended to six games with a tough loss against Clemson. Despite a competitive effort in last Tuesday’s loss to Arkansas, which hinted at progress, Miami couldn’t capitalize and remains searching for a breakthrough victory.

“The idea of preparing for an opponent and then executing the game plan is so vitally important and I thought we did that. The only thing that surprised me is we went 4-for 25 from three and we started the game that way. We missed a lot of what I would say, quality shots,” Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga said.

For both sides, the basket was invincible to start the game. It took roughly four minutes for Clemson’s Ian Schieffelin to hit the first field goal, a three-pointer. After Schieffelin’s made shot, the Tigers (9-1, 1-0 ACC) went on a 12-0 run until Miami’s Matthew Cleveland hit a basket from just beyond the charity stripe. 

Cleveland’s made basket sparked Miami (3-6, 0-1 ACC) on both sides of the ball. UM’s strong defense held Clemson to only 13 points in the last 10 minutes of the first half. The offense was catapulted by Cleveland, who led the team in first-half scoring, including slamming down a ferocious alley-oop dunk from Paul Djobet at the 6:20 mark to tie the game at 18. 

Miami led the defensive rebound category, 16-13; however, Clemson, with the strong 11-point showing from Schiefflin, led the game 25-24 at the end of the first half. 

Coming out of the break, both Miami and Clemson were trading buckets for the first 14 minutes of the second half. 

“Both teams played exceptionally hard. Points were hard to come by. Both coaching staffs know each other so well. We played against each other for years, and so just teams were prepared,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said. 

Miami’s offensive showing in the majority of the second half was led by the five-star recruit out of Philadelphia, Jalil Bethea. He went 4-of-5 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, which included an important three-pointer, making it a one-point, 47-46 game with 5:55 left on the clock. 

“My performance was very well today, my teammates were able to find me in open spots, and all I needed to do is just see one go in and I just got comfortable after that,” Bethea said.

Freshman guard Jalil Bethea dribbles against Clemson University on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Photo Credit: Brian Mulvey – Contributing Photographer

Bethea’s shot had the crowd loud on their feet, but it did not faze the Tigers. Offensively, they were attacking the basket, leaving Miami’s defensive hacking and whacking, as Brandon Johnson sent Schieffelin to the line with 2:26 left, shifting the momentum in Clemson’s favor. 

It was all Clemson from here on out, sending Miami fans hitting the exit of the Watsco Center early. 

The usually reliable Nijel Pack had an off game, only attempting three-point shots and making none in his seven attempts. Larrañaga credited the gritty defense played by Clemson’s Jaeden Zackery.

Graduate student Nijel Pack maintains possession of the ball against Clemson University on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Photo Credit: Brian Mulvey – Contributing Photographer

“We tried to get him [Pack] going. Just one of those nights. I can’t explain it. I’d say you have to give credit to Jaeden Zackery because he is a little taller than Nijel, but he must weigh 30-40 pounds more, and he’s very, very physical,” Larrañaga said. 

The Hurricanes might be 3-6; however, guard A.J. Staton-McCray believes the team is heading in the right direction. 

“Next game [mentality], We’ve seen a lot of progression. So we’re like going the way we’re going. Sky’s the limit, so all we gotta do is just try to keep going, staying together. That’s how we’re feeling right now,” Staton-McCray said. 

The Hurricanes will hop on a flight to New York City, where they will play at one of the world’s most famous arenas, Madison Square Garden. Miami will face off against No. 3 Tennessee in the Jimmy V Classic, where they look to get back on track and pull off a huge upset. 

Tip-off is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and the game will be televised on ESPN. 

Giving Thanks

V'S Take
-
0
Giving Thanks

For just this once, instead of giving advice or scalding takes, I want to use this V’s Take to open my heart up to all of you readers. There is a lot I find myself thankful for, so let me share with you all what some of those things are.

My council

To all of my friends who pick up the phone to hear every one of my victories, failures and updates on whatever poor man has become the object of my affection, thank you for not exiling me just yet.

The Rathskeller upstairs bathroom 

You have seen me at the lowest points of my life, including after a Rat Margarita or drunkenly saying hello to my hot professor. Thank you for being there when I need to lock in and convince myself I am sober enough to go to class. 

My Spotify daylists

You might call me out sometimes, but you always give me what I need to hear even if it’s Fisher at 9:30 a.m from a playlist titled “sad girl people pleaser tuesday morning.”

Cam Ward

Need I say more? Our best Heisman contender in a decade and the only person I would battle Friday 5 p.m. northbound rush hour traffic to see a football game for. 

Instagram mute button

You will always be there for me when I am sick of seeing someone post with their troll of a boyfriend, but still want to be able to stalk when they break up.

The Dooley Half Moon Empanada stand

Thank you for giving me a stomach ache that always takes my mind off the test I bombed minutes before. 

Target sunset lamp

The cheapest, yet, best mood lighting I have ever had for a hookup. Three years going strong.

Nothing illuminates mediocre abs like a soft orange glow.

Vicky’s Cafe coffee

Thank you for being the closest thing we have to street-legal crack cocaine.

Dress To Impress

Thank you for healing my inner child while also channeling my inner child hater. Thank you, for giving Roblox a comeback. 

Lake Osceola

Last but not least, my favorite naturally unnatural body of water. For giving all of campus the perfect Instagram story post, LinkedIn banner image and background when the sunset bounces off of you just right.

Happy Thanksgiving ’Canes! I hope you find someone who can make your Plymouth Rock this holiday season.

V’s Take is The Miami Hurricane’s most controversial and longest-running column. V’s take is satirical work published biweekly by students and for students using our generation’s “colorful” language. V addresses all things love, sex and gossip on campus. V is not for the politically correct or easily offended.

If you can’t pass the law, you can’t hit it raw

V'S Take
-
0
If you can’t pass the law, you can’t hit it raw

Trojan, Durex, Skyn — just a few names you men are going to want to start getting familiar with. Amendment 4’s failure not only means women’s access to abortion is basically nonexistent but that your chances of hitting it raw are too. 

Regardless of how you voted, we’re all dealing with the consequences of the six-week law. Many of you (ahem men) think this probably doesn’t affect you, but V is here to remind you that behind all of your one-night stands is a girl anxiously awaiting her period to confirm she doesn’t have to be the mother of your frat sperm offspring. 

So how are the girls and all those with a uterus feeling now you ask? Probably scream singing the Girls in the Hood lyric, “I’M SICK OF MOTHERFUCKERS TRYING TO TELL ME HOW TO LIVE.” 

The situation has gotten so serious that some of you icons may even be considering joining the 4B Movement that encourages no sex, no dating, no marriage, no kids. 

But for all of my hopeless romantics, lovers of dick and borderline sex addicts, V is here for you. 

We need to change our tune from all or nothing, to having safe sex given the circumstances — at least until the Yes on 4 baddies get our rights back. (In case you were wondering, V stands for Voted Yes on 4).

Now, what does extra safe sex look like? It means using two forms of birth control, whether that’s a condom and an IUD or a patch and a diaphragm. It also may include abstaining from penetrative sex during the ovulation window (if you don’t know what this means, Google is free). In language my male readers will understand, this means a whole lot more eating pussy and a whole lot less fucking. 

So if you want to be able to get raunchy without a rubber, get educated. Figure out why this is so important and then figure out how to help. Whether that be supporting your friends during these tough times, or finding out how you can help on a political level — support the women in your life.

Just to make it clear, V gets it. Not everyone will support abortion, but what we can’t stand for is not supporting women and their ability to make these decisions for themselves. 

And to be extra clear, to anyone who shames someone else for making safe sex decisions that work for them (and maybe voted no on 4), I hope you are denied the joys of a blissful midafternoon orgasm. 

V’s Take is The Miami Hurricane’s most controversial and longest-running column. V’s take is satirical work published biweekly by students and for students using our generation’s “colorful” language. V addresses all things love, sex and gossip on campus. V is not for the politically correct or easily offended.

Uncuffing season: Choose your character  

V'S Take
-
0
Uncuffing season: Choose your character  

Is it just my FYP or is everyone breaking up right now? There’s ‘spring cleaning,’ but for college students, there’s also the ‘semester split.’ After a breakup, everyone spirals in their own way to deal with the feels. 

So, what do we do with all these emotions? Do we drown our sorrows in ice cream and rom-coms, or do we just pretend everything’s fine? Each person has their own coping mechanisms—but what’s the real way to get over an ex? 

The “No Contact Rule” is a popular piece of advice for the heartbroken. But how many bodies are acceptable to gain after a breakup? 

So let’s dive into all these questions and chat about what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to moving on. Whatever it is you decide, you may relate to one of these descriptions.

The rebounders

Do we fill the void with a parade of randos who, for a fleeting moment, make us feel like our ex did? Sometimes in those moments, we lose control — especially after a few green tea shots at Regatta — and make decisions we regret. Like that time you had sex a little too loud while all your friends were in the next room.

And the craziest regret of all, realizing they heard everything.  

To my rebounders, I agree the best way to get over someone is to get under someone new, but if you can’t separate the heart and the horny it’s best to indulge in some well deserved wallowing. 

The “We can still be friends” crowd 

Then there’s the group of us who keep in touch with our exes. We cling to that emotional connection, hoping that something will magically change despite the fact that he called you fat, never gave you flowers, forgot your birthday and had you crying yourself to sleep next to him more times than you can count. 

He says he’ll change. He never will. 

From someone with experience, learn to let it go. If it’s not working still, it’s not going to. Move on. 

Though it may be hard, no contact is probably best for you. 

Friends with benefits? Let’s not

Then we have the ‘I’m over it after a month’ crowd, who thinks they can keep being friends with benefits. Repeat after me, “being fuck buddies with an ex does not work.” It’s like eating at Taco Bell – really good in the moment followed by immediate regret. 

Honestly, there’s way better out there. Better guy, better dick, better sex, better orgasms (Unless you’re fucking Ross Lynch). Sometimes, it’s better to have an empty vagina for a while then having an expired dick in there.

So she thinks she’s in love…

Finally, my favorite — the person who thinks they’ve found the love of their life right after breaking up with their high school sweetheart. News flash — he’s probably just a rebound! Just because you can Photoshop him in the pictures on your parents’ mantle and no one will know the difference does not mean it’s the same intimate connection. The math is not mathing babes.

So pick your poison — skank it, wallow in denial or move the fuck on with your life and choose happiness!

V’s Take is The Miami Hurricane’s most controversial and longest-running column. V’s take is satirical work published biweekly by students and for students using our generation’s “colorful” language. V addresses all things love, sex and gossip on campus. V is not for the politically correct or easily offended.

Hurricanes miss out on College Football Playoff

Jimin Park
-
0
Hurricanes miss out on College Football Playoff

The Miami Hurricanes’ promising 2024 season came to an end in disappointment, as the team finds itself ranked No. 12 in the final College Football Playoff rankings ahead of Sunday’s selection show. A late-season collapse, marked by two losses in the final three games, has all but sealed Miami’s fate: the Hurricanes are on the outside looking in as the first team out of the playoffs.

Miami entered the final week of the season in a strong position, ranked No. 6 in the CFP standings and aiming to secure a spot in the 12-team playoff. With a win over Syracuse, the Hurricanes would have clinched a spot in the ACC Championship Game, earning a shot at one of the four first-round byes. But a shocking 42-38 loss to the Orange in Week 14 eliminated Miami from the ACC title race, simultaneously ending the Canes’ playoff dreams. This defeat, combined with earlier losses to an unranked Georgia Tech, dropped the Canes to No. 12 behind Alabama, who secured the final spot in the bracket at No. 11.

Selection committee chair Warde Manuel explained that the decision came down to Miami’s late-season struggles compared to Alabama’s stronger performance against ranked opponents. “What it came down to is that we evaluated both teams and looked at how they rank,” Manuel said. “Alabama is 3-1 against current top-25 teams, and Miami is 0-1. Miami has lost twice in its final three games, and we felt Alabama got the edge based on their overall body of work.”

Despite the Hurricanes’ explosive offense, led by Heisman hopeful Cam Ward, and their top-10 ranking in total yards and points per game, the committee cited their inconsistent defense and lack of key victories over ranked teams as significant factors in their exclusion from the playoffs. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal had argued that the Hurricanes’ 10-2 record, coupled with their narrow losses, should warrant consideration. “We won 10 games this year, and not many teams have,” Cristobal said on WQAM, the Hurricanes’ flagship station. “Our losses came down to one possession, which is a very different résumé than the 9-3 teams.”

ESPN analysts weighed in on the committee’s decision, with Booger McFarland questioning the fairness of ranking Alabama ahead of Miami despite the latter’s fewer losses. “Miami is 10-2 and Alabama is 9-3, so putting Alabama in over Miami seems like a slippery slope when these schedules are unbalanced,” McFarland said. Joey Galloway, however, defended the committee’s choice, citing Miami’s poor finish to the season. “When you lose to unranked teams, now whatever the committee says, I’m okay with,” Galloway said.

Now, the Hurricanes’ postseason hopes hinge on a bowl game. While their playoff dreams have been dashed by late-season struggles, Miami still has a chance to cap off what has been a promising season. The opportunity remains to end the season with good looks, setting the stage for a future that, with the right adjustments, could once again see the ‘Canes competing for college football’s biggest prizes.

COLUMN: I miss Catholic school

Agatha Cabrera
-
0

After only a semester at UM, I can confidently say that I miss my Catholic, all-girls high school. As I was building my schedule for the spring semester, I wanted to carve out time for a theology class. While it’s not a required course at UM, I wanted to study something suited towards my personal interests. However, it is quite challenging to balance faith and academics in college.

Without the required theology class, I understood that I would need to incorporate my faith into my life instead of relying on school to do it for me. At the time, I didn’t realize how much taking theology impacted my own academic experience. I attended Catholic school for twelve years, making the class a staple in my schedule. Not having any religious study throughout my day-to-day life anymore is quite strange.

My high school gave me plenty of opportunities to explore the realms of my faith outside of the classroom. We could join Campus Ministry and participate in faith activities. Although I was not a participant in the program, there were many events and activities at my school that I found very gratifying. Also sitting in a class with some of my closest friends discussing our different attitudes on our faith was a quite rewarding aspect of high school. Whether my classmates and I were close or not, we all knew each other and could relate on a deeper level with one another. While there were times that a small community felt a little suffocating, it allowed us to come together and become stronger. 

At UM, the community is completely different. There isn’t the same camaraderie among peers or the same spiritual connection that I had in high school. This is lacking because there is not a central figure that holds us together as one or reinforces our customs as an institution. We may all throw up the U and find a sense of belonging among each other. However, we are not working together to instill a sense of commitment and faith building. Like attending theology class two or three times a week for 75 minutes. Or even building a strong bond with your theology teachers who are insightful about religion and the world as a whole.

I didn’t expect myself to miss structured time to discuss my religion this much. Theology wasn’t just a requirement in Catholic school — it was a time where I could decompress and learn something that wasn’t about being correct or graded. Theology class was a time to reflect on my own faith and how I view my relationship with God.

Now in college, I find myself neglecting my faith and not making time for prayer. Although I understand that I can take some religious studies courses at UM or join UCatholic, it isn’t the same as attending a school founded on Catholicism. UM’s environment doesn’t reflect the same Catholic values or traditions that I would see in my old school. Although UM isn’t a Catholic institution or required to incorporate religion, I still struggle with the lack of Catholic presence and faith-sharing on campus.

When I attended a small Catholic school, I was surrounded by my faith and the intricate entities of it. Prayer services, special traditions for Thanksgiving or Christmas and mandatory mass became part of my regular routine. I got used to having Catholicism built into my class schedule and environment, so it became a huge part of my identity.

Attending a religious school had a huge impact on me. I miss being at a Catholic school that provided time for my religion and gave new insight into my spiritual beliefs. I miss being at an all-girls school. I appreciated wearing a uniform to school every day and being in classes where young women were taught to find their voices. In college, it just seems like everyone attends class because they have to attend class. It isn’t the same atmosphere where I knew all my teachers and peers personally.

Although I am very grateful for my education at UM, I do miss the Catholic environment that taught me to be more proud of my faith and to take a more liberal arts approach in my academics.

Miami extends losing streak to five in 76-73 loss to Arkansas

Benjamin Gerkin
-
0
Miami extends losing streak to five in 76-73 loss to Arkansas

A total of 1,561 wins stood along the sidelines on Dec. 3 at the Watsco Center as John Calipari brought his Razorbacks down south to take on Jim Larrañaga’s Hurricanes. Despite Miami leading for 36 minutes, Arkansas executed down the stretch and added one more win to Calipari’s resume in its 76-73 victory.

“There are a lot of things I’m happy about …We had the lead for 36 minutes. In the tournament last week, we never had the lead in three consecutive games. We got ourselves off to a better start and played a lot more consistently at both ends of the floor,” Larrañaga said in the postgame presser.

Both brigades struggled to find the bottom of the basket early, but senior guard Nijel Pack set the tone for the ’Canes, scoring six of their first 11 points. Miami committed three quick fouls 3:30 into the game but adjusted effectively, allowing the Razorbacks to attempt just four free throws in the first half.

Arkansas struggled to protect the ball in the first half, as it turned it over seven times, allowing the Hurricanes to score 11 points off turnovers.

Back-to-back threes from senior transfer Jalen Blackmon kept the crowd engaged, and senior guard Matthew Cleveland ignited the Miami faithful with a score and the foul to extend UM’s lead to nine at the 8:22 mark. On the next possession, a Pack floater extended Miami’s lead to 11, its largest of the game.

Senior Matthew Cleveland drives past an Arkansas defender on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at the Watsco Center. Photo Credit: David Lebowitz, Contributing Photographer

While the ’Canes executed well offensively, the Razorbacks had a response for everything. Star freshman guard Boogie Fland led the Hogs in the first half with eight points, keeping Arkansas within striking distance.

Miami ended the first half up 40-32.

Arkansas began the second half firing from all cylinders, as Kentucky transfer DJ Wagner and Florida Atlantic transfer Johnell Davis both knocked down threes, cutting Miami’s lead to just four.

Consecutive Blackmon threes widened Miami’s lead to eight, but the Razorbacks just kept finding answers. Fland knocked down two critical free throws to knot it up at 71 with two minutes remaining and silenced the crowd with a go-ahead three at the 1:47 mark, obtaining Arkansas’s first lead of the game.

The ’Canes were able to get a clean look from Blackmon with a chance to tie, but he missed the buzzer-beating shot.

“A loss is a loss, but we played such a great game, and I’m just so happy for my guys and how we played. It just sucks we didn’t get to come out with the victory,” Pack stated.

Senior Forward Brandon Johnson hangs on the rim after a dunk on Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024, against Arkansas at the Watsco Center. Photo Credit: David Lebowitz, Contributing Photographer

Pack ended with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Cleveland arguably had his best game of the year, posting a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double.

“Nijel had an excellent game, and I was very happy about how Cleveland played. It would be so great if he was to play like this every night because he was a real factor on both ends of the floor, rebounding extremely well and scoring the ball,” Larrañaga said after Tuesday’s game.

Fland finished with 18 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Wagner contributed 14 points, two rebounds and five assists down the stretch for the Hogs.

The Hurricanes begin ACC play on Saturday, Dec. 7 at noon when they face Clemson at home.

Hurricanes WBB outlasts Quinnipiac in overtime, winning 83-74

Jayden Gonzalez
-
0
Hurricanes WBB outlasts Quinnipiac in overtime, winning 83-74

Up three with just over a minute left in overtime, Miami women’s basketball had a three-point lead over the Quinnipiac Bobcats, looking to avoid its first loss of the season. Graduate student Haley Cavinder hit Ahnay Adams for a wide open three to give the Hurricanes a six-point advantage.

Adams’ three was enough for the ‘Canes to survive the Bobcats at the Watsco Center on Sunday afternoon, winning 83-74.

Halfway though the third quarter, the Hurricanes were up 52-30 against the Bobcats. Then, the Bobcats went on a 35-12 run to storm all the way back. With 1:14 left on the clock, Bobcat forward Anna Foley hit a three to give Quinnipiac its first lead of the afternoon.

With 12 seconds left, Haley Cavinder hit a three to tie the game at 67, giving Miami its first points in over four minutes.

In the last seconds of the game, Bobcat guard Gal Raviv missed a go-ahead layup, giving Miami one last chance to win the game in regulation. Haley Cavinder threw an outlet pass to her sister Hanna, who just missed the game-winning layup, sending the game to overtime.

In overtime, the Hurricanes outscored the Bobcats 16-7, giving Miami just enough to remain undefeated.

Haley Cavinder came up huge for the Hurricanes this afternoon. The graduate student finished with 30 points, a season-high nine assists and seven rebounds in the win. She shot 52% from the field in the process.

The Bobcats struggled mightily in the first half, letting the deficit slip to as much as 15. In the second half, everything turned around. From the third quarter on, Quinnipiac shot 61% from the field and 67% from beyond the arc.

In contrast, UM went ice cold in the second half, playing a huge contributor in the 22-point lead that was given up. The ’Canes shot 38% from the field and 21% from three.

The Bobcats leading scorer was Raviv. The Israeli native scored 25 points on 10-of-24 shooting from the field. Raviv tallied five threes as well.

As Haley Cavinder pointed out in her post-game interview, Miami’s defensive efforts throughout the game helped in its victory on Sunday. UM out-rebounded Quinnipiac 39-30 in the game and 24-12 in the first half.

Early in the first half, Haley Cavinder hit a layup to extend Miami’s lead to 11. That score capitalized an 8-0 UM run.

For the fourth time this season, all nine ’Canes who checked in scored.

The Hurricanes play host to the Vanderbilt Commodores in the ACC-SEC challenge in their next game. Wednesday’s contest will be played at 5 p.m. at the Watsco Center, in Coral Gables, Fla.

1...144145146...2,127Page 145 of 2,127