Thu Nov 21 17:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Miami Hurricanes Favored to Defeat Drake Bulldogs in Charleston Classic

**Charleston, SC** – The Miami Hurricanes are heavily favored to win their matchup against the Drake Bulldogs in the Charleston Classic, a neutral-site tournament game tipping off at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Sports analysts predict a comfortable victory for the Hurricanes.

Miami, currently ranked 46th in KenPom, enters the game as a 9.5-point favorite (-485 moneyline). The over/under for total points is set at 141. One expert pick predicts Miami will cover the spread, even if it widens to -12.

The Hurricanes’ strength lies in their improved length and offensive potential. Their starting lineup features three players 6-foot-7 or taller, allowing them to dominate the boards. The team’s backcourt, featuring guards Jalen Blackmon and Nijel Pack, is also expected to contribute significantly. Five-star freshman Jalil Bethea adds further scoring potential. Despite facing weaker opponents earlier in the season, Miami consistently achieved dominant victories.

Drake, while boasting a strong defensive identity under new coach Ben McCollum, faces a significant challenge. The Bulldogs’ offense relies heavily on three-point shooting and turnovers, which might prove insufficient against Miami’s improved defense. While Drake has shown defensive prowess in wins against Stephen F. Austin and Florida Gulf Coast, their offense may struggle to keep pace with Miami’s balanced attack. Their leading scorer, Bennett Stirtz, will need significant support to overcome Miami’s size and talent.

The analyst’s assessment highlights Miami’s superior offensive firepower and defensive improvements as key factors in their predicted victory. The Hurricanes’ depth and balanced scoring options are seen as too much for Drake to overcome in this neutral-site clash. The game promises to be a test of Drake’s defensive capabilities against a high-potential Miami team.

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