THE MADNESS IS HERE! I’ve been MIA but expect a ton of articles in the next two weeks. Your boy has been very busy with wedding planning and some personal stuff, but MattyIce always has time for MARCH MADNESS. NO POOL IS SAFE!

Miami was able to get the win yesterday over Wake Forest. It was not pretty at the end, but there is no such thing as a bad win in March. 

Miami and Duke are arguably the two hottest teams in the ACC right now. Miami is 9-1 in their last 10 games and Duke is 10-2 in their last 12. (lost to Miami and controversial loss to Virginia) The Blue Devils and Canes will tipoff at 7:00 PM ET, and here are my three keys to the game:

Keep Duke off offensive boards/Limit 2nd Chance Opportunities 

Duke has the 6th highest offensive rebound percentage in the country. If Miami wants to win this game, they need to limit second chance opportunities off offensive rebounds. In the two previous matchups this season Duke is averaging 14 offensive rebounds against Miami.

Duke dominated Miami in second chance points at Cameron Indoor 24-14, but Miami outscored Duke 24-9 in second chance points in the second matchup at home. Miami did a better job of recovering and contesting shots at the rim in the second matchup. If Miami can win the 2nd chance points margin it should give them a great opportunity to win.

Take care of ball in late game scenario

The Canes have had a lot of games right down to the end. Miami has lost a few of these close matchups due to shaky late game execution. Miami has had instances where they struggle with turnovers, not making free throws and just not being able to score.  If we find ourselves in a close game, we need to execute at the end.

Limit Kyle Filipowski

Kyle Filipowski has had a great Freshman season for Duke averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds a game.  In the first matchup Filipowski dropped 17 against Miami, but only had 9 points in the second matchup on 4/12 shooting. Jordan Miller will be the X factor on defense as he will most likely be matched up on Filipowski.

Miami is projected in most brackets as a 5th seed, but there are some that have them as a 6 seed. If the Canes can beat Duke they will have a great opportunity to move up in the seeding. 

Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET, if Miami wins the ACC Tournament Championship game will be tomorrow!

GO CANES!