STATS
PROJECTED STARTERS
F 21 Dwayne Collins
12.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg
C 45 Julian Gamble
3.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg
G 01 Durand Scott
6.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg
G 23 James Dews
12.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg
G 25 Garrius Adams 4.1 ppg, 0.7 rpg
STAR WATCH
Dwayne Collins- Although his numbers might not reflect it, Collins is one of the top post players in the ACC. Collins vs. Tracy Smith could decide this game.
Miami Game Notes
PAY IT FORWARD
The Hurricanes will be collecting canned food and non-perishable items to donate to the Miami Rescue Mission during Saturday's game versus NC State. Fans are encouraged to donate items in the drop box located inside the main entrance.
SHOOTAROUND
Converting 46.8 percent of their field goals this season, the Hurricanes are the top shooting team in head coach Frank Haith's six-year tenure at Miami and the most efficient UM shooters in 10 years -- since the 1998-99 team hit 47.3 percent of its field goals en route to a 23-7 record and NCAA Tournament second round. In addition, the Hurricanes are within striking distance of the school-record 49.2 team field goal percentage posted in 1988-89.
Entering Saturday's game, Dwayne Collins is shooting a 56.5 percent from the field over his career -- including 60.7 percent (122-200) of his field goals this season, which is currently the second-best single-season shooting performance in Miami history. Mario Bland holds the school record, converting 61.0 percent (122-200) during the 1997-98 campaign.
WHAT HAVE U DONE FOR ME LATELY
Over the last two ACC games, Miami is shooting 51.0 percent from the floor and 77.5 percent from the charity stripe, while out-rebounding opponents by an average of 5.0 boards per game and holding those teams to just 38.5 percent from the field.
Over those two outings, Dwayne Collins is averaging a team-high 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 block per game, while converting 70.6 percent from the field and 83.3 percent from the line. Durand Scott has contributed 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assist and 1.0 steal an outing on 61.9 percent shooting, while James Dews added 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Julian Gamble is also coming on strong down the stretch, averaging 8.5 points on 70.0 percent shooting and 6.4 rebounds over those two games.
THE SERIES
NC State owns the 5-4 edge in the all-time series versus Miami, however the Hurricanes have won two of the last three games -- including the 72-64 decision in the last meeting between the teams on March 7, 2009 -- and holds the 3-1 advantage in games at the BankUnited Center. The Wolfpack have had a week to prepare for the Hurricanes, while Miami comes off Tuesday's 74-62 win over Virginia.
The Wolfpack snapped a five-game skid with last Saturday's 68-54 win over Wake Forest at home in Raleigh. Five NC State players finished in double figures, including the second-straight double-double from senior forward Dennis Horner (10 pts, 12 rebs).
Junior forward Tracy Smith -- who hits an ACC-high 54.3 percent from the field and ranks among the ACC's top 10 in scoring and rebounding, leads the Wolfpack with 17.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
DID U KNOW...
At 18-9, Miami is just one victory shy of its win total from last season and two victories from its second 20-win season in the last three years... Durand Scott is the only freshman ranked among the ACC's top-five freshmen in scoring, rebounding and assists... Dwayne Collins has posted nine double-digit rebound games this season -- fifth-best in the ACC -- and his hit 15 of his last 18 free throws spanning the last two games... Adrian Thomas has hit exactly 100 three-pointers over his career -- including 56 this season and 96 over the last two seasons... 6-10 center Reggie Johnson is strong from the charity stripe, converting 82.6 percent versus league teams to rank fourth in the ACC -- best among the league's big men... Miami has converted at least 50 percent of its field goals 11 times this season, surpassing the nine times UM accomplished that over the previous two seasons combined (2007-08 and 2008-09)... The Hurricanes have defeated at least one ranked team in 14 of the last 15 seasons... Home teams are 56-22 (.718) in ACC play this season... Former UM men's basketball player Jimmy Graham (2006-09) played in the Senior Bowl and is participating in the NFL Combine after playing one season with the Hurricanes football squad as a tight end.