The Miami Hurricanes were able to turn in a better performance at the Big East Tournament in Piscataway N.J., than last year, when the team lost in the opening round. However, it may not have been enough to get the Hurricanes a bid into the NCAA Tournament.

On Sunday, Miami fell 68-49 to No. 4 seeded Villanova in the second round of the Big East Tournament, dropping its record to 18-11. The No. 5 seeded Hurricanes were outscored by ‘Nova 38-20 in the second half after trailing by only one at halftime. The loss came one day after Miami defeated Georgetown 69-52 in its opening round game. Despite their 18-11 mark, Head Coach Ferne Labati thinks the Hurricanes deserve an invitation to the NCAA’s.

“I believe our kids have fought so hard,” Labati said. “We deserve the opportunity.”

Miami, who was routed by the Wildcats 80-52 at Villanova on Jan. 29, played a tough first half, shooting 45 percent from the field, while holding ‘Nova to just 37 percent shooting, and more importantly, a 24 percent clip from three-point range.

However, things fell apart for the Hurricanes in the second half, as Villanova reeled off 16 unanswered points early in the half, and took control from there. The Wildcats shot only 39 percent during the final 20 minutes, but hit five three-pointers during that span, including several from Trish Joliene, who finished with a game-high 22 points.

Junior Meghan Saake, who earlier in the week was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, led Miami with 14 points, although only two of them came in the second half. Sophomore Chanivia Broussard added 13 points, and sophomore Shaquana Wilkins chipped in with nine points and a game-high eight rebounds. As a team, the Hurricanes shot 35 percent from the field, including a dismal 27 percent in the second half, and were outrebounded 42-33.

On Friday, Miami started out sluggish against No 12. seeded Georgetown, trailing 31-30 at halftime. However, the Hurricanes shut down Georgetown in the second half, holding the Hoyas to just 23 percent shooting, and outscoring them 39-21 to run away with the victory. Four Hurricanes scored in double digits, led by Broussard, with 16. Saake added 12 points and Wilkins scored 11. However, the most surprising performance came from freshman point guard Yalonda McCormick, who had 10 points, while grabbing five rebounds, and handing out five assists.

So, with a 1-1 showing at the Big East Tournament, all Miami can do now is wait for the NCAA Tournament Selections, which will be announced Sunday evening. With most at-large teams needing at least 20 victories to receive a bid, the Hurricanes best bet seems to be a berth into the NIT Tournament, which begins next week. However, Miami finished fifth in what is arguably the best conference in the country, and Labati thinks that the reputation of the Big East should get the Hurricanes a berth into the NCAA’s.

“I know you guys think I’m so prejudiced towards the Big East,” Labati said. “But I think the Big East is so underrated. I think at least six[teams] should go[to the NCAA’s.] That’s how good our conference is.

The 2001-02 college basketball regular season began and will conclude with three Big East teams in the top 25 poll. However, the Big East has had a roller coaster of a season, as three new teams have arisen as the conference leaders, and the so-called favorites are now battling for their post-season lives.

Top 25 teams, Pittsburgh (23-4, 13-3), Miami (23-6, 10-6), and Connecticut (21-6, 13-3), are a lock for the NCAA tournament. Notre Dame (20-9, 10-6) and St. Johns (19-10, 9-7) appear to have also landed down spots for the postseason. Despite Sunday’s loss at Villanova, the Johnnies probably secured its spot in the NCAA Tournament by beating Notre Dame last week to improve its record against top 50 RPI teams to 6-5.

Not one of these teams was ranked entering the season.

The Big East’s defending champions, Boston College (19-10, 8-8), beat Syracuse (20-10, 9-7) on Sunday. As a result, both teams are on the bubble and must go deep in the Big East tournament to secure bids. Both teams, along with Georgetown (18-10, 9-7) began the season ranked and have all dropped out. Georgetown must win the Big East tournament to secure a spot in the NCAA tourney.

After Notre Dame handed Miami an embarrassing 90-77 loss on Feb. 23 at the Miami Arena, the Hurricanes rebounded with two straight victories over Providence and Virginia Tech to finish the regular season. As the No. 2 seed out of the East, Miami has a first round buy and will play the winner of Syracuse and Seton Hall. The ‘Canes have not faced either team this year. It is vital for Miami to fare well in the tournament to increase its seed in the NCAAs.

“I have to say how proud I am of this team and what it has done this season in a very tough conference,” UM coach Perry Clark said. “But that said, we have to put it behind us. Our focus now is the Big East Tournament and the NCAAs.”

Pittsburgh (No. 8 ESPN/USA Today Coach’s Poll, No. 10 AP) has emerged as the team to beat in the Big East Tournament. Junior guard Brandin Knight, who averages 15.6 points, five rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, leads the Panthers. Knight appears to be the frontrunner for Big East Player of the Year. The Panthers are riding a seven game winning streak entering the tournament, and will play the winner of Boston College and Rutgers.

Connecticut (No. 23 ESPN/USA Today Coach’s Poll) has also won its last seven contests, and are making a case for Caron Butler to win the Player of the Year. Butler averages 19.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. The Huskies have a dominating presence on the blocks, in 6-9 freshman Emeka Okafor. Okafor leads the nation in blocks, with 4.4 per game and also pulls down nine boards a contest. UConn is on the rise and will play the winner of Georgetown and Villanova.

Star freshman point guard Chris Thomas and senior forward Ryan Humphrey lead an underrated Notre Dame Squad. Thomas averages 16 points and 7.5 assists, while Humphrey averages a double-double with 18.9 points and 10.6 rebounds a contest. Thomas lit up the Hurricanes on Feb. 23 with 32 points and 12 assists. When Thomas complements Humphrey’s down low presence, the Fighting Irish are tough to beat. Notre Dame will face the winner of St. Johns and Providence.

As always, the Big East Tournament is up for grabs. The conference definetely will have five teams playing in the Big Dance, with a strong possibility with a sixth invitee. The Big East had an extremely successful and surprising regular season, and has strong hopes of continuing its success in the NCAA tournament.

In the last regular season game of the season, the Miami Hurricanes, who were celebrating senior day, needed a win and a St. John’s loss to clinch a first round bye in the Big East tournament.

The Hurricanes (23-6) held up to their half of the deal with an 83-77 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies (10-18) Saturday. The win improved the ‘Canes to 14-2 at the Arena this season and tied a Hurricanes record for most wins in a season with 23. The ‘Canes also improved to 10-6 in the Big East with the win.

“I’m extremely proud of this basketball team and what they have been able to do this season,” said head coach Perry Clarke after the game.

St. Johns also held up to its part of the bargain, as they were upset at Villanova 77-62 on Sunday. The Hurricanes earned the No. two seed in the east and will play the winner of Boston College and Rutgers at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Before the game, the ‘Canes paid tribute to their seniors: Elton Tyler, Jerry Schlie, and John Salmons. Clarke gave Schlie his first ever start as a Miami Hurricane. His early three pointer electrified the crowd and gave the team a huge boost.

“People want to come and support us. It means a lot and it feels good to have people cheer for you,” said Schlie, who had five points in the game.

The Hokies didn’t end their season without a fight. They hit 10 three pointers in the game and came storming back from down 18 at one point to get within three at 72-69 late in the second half.

Brian Chase and Carlos Dixon led the second half charge, as they both hit four three pointers .

However, the story on senior day was the play of Tyler, who carried the ‘Canes with 24 points and eight rebounds, 20 of which came in the first half. Tyler at two different points went on an 8-0 and 6-0 run respectively by himself.

Along with Tyler, fellow senior John Salmons had 11 points and 10 assists. All 11 points came in the second half of play.

Overall, the ‘Canes put five players in double digits, as Barnes, Rice, and Jones joined the parade, which is not unusual for this team, as all five starters average double digits. The ‘Canes closed out the game by hitting their free throws down the stretch.

After the game, Clarke had nothing but positive things to say about his seniors.

“The way these guys stepped up to being the hunted is a testament to them. These two guys (Tyler and Salmons), along with Jerry, because of what they have been through, have meant a lot to our basketball team,” said Clarke.

In their farewell game, the Hurricane seniors got to go out in style in front of the home crowd. They were all satisfied with the experience they have had the last four years, which included a sweet 16 run.

“Playing with Elton and Jerry for four years has been a great ride for me. I am happy I made the decision to come here,” said John Salmons.

Salmons will leave Miami as the only player in UM history to amass over 1000 career points, 600 career rebounds, 400 career assists, and 150 career steals in 121 games played as a member of the Hurricanes.

WOMENS TENNIS
The No. 30 University of Miami women’s tennis team outlasted No. 41 Florida State, defeating the Seminoles, 4-3, on Friday in Tallahassee, Fla. The Hurricanes improve their 2002 season record to 7-2, while the Seminoles fall to 6-6. Sophomore Mari Toro led the way defeating Anca Dumitrescu 7-6, 4-6, 7-5 at No. 1 singles. At the No. 2 position, senior Marcy Hora defeated Alida Gallovits in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.
Freshman Ewelina Skaza had a strong outing defeating Lauren Walker 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the No. 5 position. At the No. 6 spot, freshman Sara Robbins outlasted Meredith Fish with a 7-6 (6), 4-6, 7-5 victory. The Hurricanes match with Harvard, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to inclement weather. Miami returns home to face the University of Virginia Monday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRACK
University of Miami senior Aaron Moser (Bonne Terre, MO) recorded a two-day total of 5,720 points and finished second in the heptathlon at the 2002 USA Men’s Indoor Heptathlon Championship in Chapel Hill, NC. All-American Kareen Clarke(Lithonic, GA) won the triple jump with a school-record leap of 13.40 meters (43-11.75) at the LSU NCAA Qualifier in Baton Rouge, LA. University of Miami junior Saraque Whittaker(Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) finished second in the 400-meters a school-record time of 53.6, while senior All-American Wyllesheia Myrick (Miami Northwestern) finished third in the 200-meters with an NCAA provisional qualifying time of 24.08 at the Alex Wilson Invitational in Notre Dame, IN. The NCAA championships will be held May 29 – June 1 in Baton Rouge, LA.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HONORED BY BIG EAST
University of Miami women’s basketball junior guard Meghan Saake(Wellington, Fla.) was named 2001-02 BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s head coaches. Saake, also earning Honorable Mention honors, is the first Hurricane player to win the defensive award. Saake leads the BIG EAST in steals with 63 and ranks seventh among Division I players with 110 steals. Saake averaged 4.0 steals on the season and broke the school single season record for most steals (110) in the win over Boston College. Saake ranks fifth on UM’s all-time career list with 233 steals in her three-year career. Additionally, sophomore forward Chanivia Broussard(Miami, Fla.) was named All-BIG EAST Second-Team. Broussard averages a team-high 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. She is also averaging 1.2 blocks per game and is ranked fifth on Miami’s all-time career list with 62 blocked shots in her two-year career.

The No. 35 Hurricanes men’s tennis team (4-3) defeated Florida A&M 5-2 on Friday and overpowered Wisconsin 6-3 on Sunday at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

The Hurricanes had to not only overcome a formidable opponent in the first match of the weekend, but also with inclimate weather. Players from both teams had to cope with strong wind gusts and cold temperatures.

“It was really windy and there were tough conditions for both of us. I had to stay really consistent,” said freshman Todd Widom.

The Coral Springs native and the number one singles player has been a huge bright spot in a sub-par season for the Hurricanes. He has been ranked as high as #2 in junior tennis and is currently ranked 18th in the country among college players.

He defeated his opponent, Lenin Mongerie of FAMU, 6-2, 6-2, in a very commanding fashion.

“Todd has had a great season as a freshman; he is doing really well,” said coach Jay Berger.

Tomas Smid, the No. 2 singles player for the Hurricanes, also beat his opponent in a resounding manner. Smid defeated Isaac Yarrell of FAMU 6-1, 6-2.

The best match of the evening was between UM’s Maxime LePivert and Florida A&M’s Pfungwa Mahefu. LePivert, who normally plays No.5 or 6, played against a No.4 ranked opponent.

The two players appeared very evenly skilled as they stretched the match into a three set thriller that went down to a tiebreaker. LePivert, who was down 2-5 early in the second set, mounted a four game comeback to retake the lead, 6-5. In the end, Mahefu won the match 5-7, 7-6, 7-6.

Miami’s No.5, Joel Berman, beat his opponent, Kareem Bennett, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, while No.6 Tarik El Bassiouni beat FAMU’s Noel Wadawu, 6-2, 6-4. The Hurricanes’ No.2 and No.3 doubles won their matches, 8-4, 8-2, respectively.

“It was a tough day to play, real windy, but I thought we played well,” said coach Berger. “We have had some bad breaks this season. We had a player fall and injure his elbow at practice and another player out with a bad wrist, so our main concern right now is to stay healthy.”

On Sunday, the Hurricanes took two of three doubles matches and four of six singles en route to a 5-1 decision over the Badgers.

Miami improved to 4-3 on the season, while Wisconsin falls to 6-3.

The Hurricanes got out to an early 1-0 lead winning the doubles match point. At the No. 2 spot, Smid and Widom routed Jason Gonzaga and Dave Hippic, 8-0.

The duo of Joel Berman and Jose Lieberman held off Danny Westerman and Alex Kasarov, 9-7 at the No. 3 doubles position.

In singles action, Widom led the way for the Hurricanes beating Westerman in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2 at No. 1 singles.

At the No. 2 spot Smid defeated Scott Rutherford in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, while teammate Lieberman overpowered Dave Hippic 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 3 position.

LePievert won his singles match defeating Gonzaga 6-3, 6-1 at the No. 5 spot.

The Hurricanes next go on the road to face TCU Friday, March 8 at 1:00 p.m. in Forth Worth, Texas.

The Miami Hurricanes hoped to turn around a rough start to the season this past weekend at the Kia Bash at Goodwin Field on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. However, the ‘Canes blew a lead in one game and committed mental errors in the last game en route to losing two of three games.

Miami (9-6) committed a season-high five errors in falling to Houston, 8-6, Sunday afternoon.

Along with the five errors, of Houston’s eight runs only one was earned.

UH starter Gene Flores (1-0) went 6.1 innings allowing 10 hits, six earned runs with a career-high nine strikeouts in 117 pitches. UM starter Kiki Bengochea (1-3) took the loss.

The Hurricanes jumped out quick on the Cougars and Flores, 4-0, scoring four runs on four hits with two outs showing. Matt Dryer hit his second home run in as many days, a three-run shot deep to left field.

The Cougars came back in the third, 5-4, batting around in the order and scoring five runs on Bengochea to take the lead. Bengochea walked the bases loaded, followed by a two-run error by Kevin Howard. Stuart Musslewhite then put the Cougars ahead with a three-run home run to left field.

UH added a run, 6-4, in the fifth.

Bengochea departed after 5.0 innings pitched allowing six hits, six runs (one earned), four walks, four strikeouts and one hit batter in 106 pitches.

With Dan Touchet on the mound, Houston scored two more runs to go up 8-4 in the sixth.

The Hurricanes narrowed the Houston lead, 8-6, in the seventh. With one out, Rodriguez tripled down the left field line. He scored on the next at bat when Howard hit a single to left field. Danny Matienzo followed with a double deep to right center to score Howard.

In their second game of the weekend, University of Miami closer George Huguet picked up the save for the Hurricanes as he went the final 1.1 innings in a 5-3 win over Cal State Fullerton (9-6).

Huguet entered the game with two outs in the eighth inning and forced Titan pinch hitter Chris Comfort to pop out. In the ninth, Huguet forced the first two batters out before allowing two base runners. Huguet earned his second save of the season when he forced Richie Burgos to ground out to the shortstop.

UM starter T.J. Prunty (2-0) earned the win after tying a career-high with 6.0 innings pitched, five hits, three runs (two earned), four walks and two strikeouts in 88 pitches.

Cal State Fullerton starter Darric Merrell (2-2) scored the loss after allowing seven hits, five earned runs, two walks and six strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched.

After Cal State Fullerton took the lead 3-2 in the top of the sixth, the Hurricanes responded with three runs to take the eventual game-winning 5-3 lead. Matienzo knocked in the tying run, Javy Rodriguez, with a single to left field. Kevin Mannix then singled to left field. Dryer, who opened Miami’s scoring in the second inning with a two-run homerun, walked to load the bases. Jim Burt then drove in the go-ahead runs, Matienzo and Mannix, with a single to left field.

In the first game of the weekend, Southern California rallied in the bottom of the eighth inning to score four runs and defeat the Miami, 11-10.

Southern California rallied from a 10-7 deficit in the eighth inning to score four runs on four hits off UM closer Huguet.

Bret Butler (1-0) earned the win in relief for the Trojans.

Miami starter Troy Roberson pitched 3.2 innings with seven hits, four earned runs, three walks and one strikeout in 65 pitches.

Javy Rodriguez went 3-for-6, with two RBI’s and a solo homerun in the defeat.

Miami returns to action at 3:05 tomorrow afternoon at Mark Light Stadium against the Florida Marlins.

-HurricaneSports.com