Miami coach Jim Larranaga is a strong believer in using statistical analysis to shape and guide his teams. One of his favorite stats, a measure we rarely hear discussed, is 3-point field goal percentage defense.
Now in his seventh year at Coral Gables, Larranaga has crafted his best squad to date at suppressing opponents’ bonusphere accuracy. The Hurricanes paced the ACC in this defensive category until the other day, when Duke came to town.
The Blue Devils fell behind by 13 points in the second half, only to rally to victory. The key, surely a matter of especial dismay to Miami’s coaching staff, was Duke’s hitting 11 of 21 shots from long distance.