t. John's coach Mike Jarvis describes Miami as "10 seconds from being undefeated." And because those 10 seconds occurred the last time the No.21 Hurricanes played, St. John's may find itself facing an inspired group tonight at Alumni Hall.
"I know we're going to have to bring our 'A' game," Jarvis said. "That one loss is fresh on their minds."
Miami (14-1, 1-1 Big East) has been one of college basketball's big surprises. The 'Canes won their first 14 games, including wins over Indiana and Georgetown from the Top25. They fell to UConn, 76-75, Saturday in Storrs.
"There should be no residue from that game," Miami coach Perry Clark said of the defeat. "I think we've handled it well. I think we'll be right back where we need to be."
Most observers of Miami expected big play from 6-10 Darius Rice (13.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and 6-7 John Salmons (13.4 ppg, 5.3 apg). But the big boost has been 6-8 James Jones, whose hot shooting has him averaging 13.6 points.
That Miami has such size means that St. John's (10-3, 1-1) must overachieve on the boards. It got 10 rebounds from 6-6 Eric King in Saturday's win over West Virginia. Anthony Glover, the 6-5 senior, also must have a big game rebounding.
St. John's could use the lift it would get if 6-8 Kyle Cuffe is back from the eye injury that has sidelined him the past three games. Jarvis said whether Cuffe plays will be a gametime decision
"I know we're going to have to bring our 'A' game," Jarvis said. "That one loss is fresh on their minds."
Miami (14-1, 1-1 Big East) has been one of college basketball's big surprises. The 'Canes won their first 14 games, including wins over Indiana and Georgetown from the Top25. They fell to UConn, 76-75, Saturday in Storrs.
"There should be no residue from that game," Miami coach Perry Clark said of the defeat. "I think we've handled it well. I think we'll be right back where we need to be."
Most observers of Miami expected big play from 6-10 Darius Rice (13.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and 6-7 John Salmons (13.4 ppg, 5.3 apg). But the big boost has been 6-8 James Jones, whose hot shooting has him averaging 13.6 points.
That Miami has such size means that St. John's (10-3, 1-1) must overachieve on the boards. It got 10 rebounds from 6-6 Eric King in Saturday's win over West Virginia. Anthony Glover, the 6-5 senior, also must have a big game rebounding.
St. John's could use the lift it would get if 6-8 Kyle Cuffe is back from the eye injury that has sidelined him the past three games. Jarvis said whether Cuffe plays will be a gametime decision
