University of Miami: Exploring strengths and weaknesses before coveted matchup against UConn

Miami has made their first Final Four in program history. The Hurricanes are 29-7 and shared the regular season Atlantic Coast Conference championship.

They made quite the run to make the Final Four, defeating No. 4 seed Indiana, No. 1 seed Houston and No. 2 seed Texas.

Miami will once again be the underdogs against UConn, this time by +5.5 points. The game tips off at 9:49 p.m. EDT in Houston, Texas and airs on CBS.

UConn has been on a tear in the tournament, winning every game by double digits. The Huskies have won four national titles in the program's history.

What will it take for Miami to pull off another upset and advance to the national championship game? Let’s take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of this Hurricanes team.

Miami Hurricanes: Strengths

Miami v Texas

The Hurricanes have proven they can win close games and play multiple styles. They have not folded in tight, clutch situations. They pulled away late to beat Drake in the first round and erased a 13-point deficit in the second half to beat Texas by seven.

The Hurricanes are 8-4 in games decided by six points or less. Coach Jim Larrañaga has a ton of experience as well. Larrañaga has proven to be skilled at in-game adjustments. Miami erased halftime deficits in two tournament games and outscored Houston 47-39 in the second half of the Sweet 16 contest.

The Hurricanes offense carries this team, and they can fill up the score sheet. They average 79.6 points per game, which is the 27th best in the nation. They have scored at least 85 points in their previous three games and rank fifth in adjusted offense, according to KenPom.

The Hurricanes are really deep, with four players averaging double-figures in scoring this season. Junior Isaiah Wong is a fearless leader who won ACC Player of the Year. Senior Jordan Miller was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and 13-for-13 from the free-throw line against Texas.

Big man Norchad Omier is a force on the court, averaging 10.1 rebounds per game.

Miami Hurricanes: Weaknesses

Miami v Texas

Miami struggled to rebound outside of Omier. If Omier gets into foul trouble, Miami is forced to play much smaller. They often move Miller to the center position, where he usually thrives on the perimeter.

Miami averages 34.8 rpg, which ranks a lowly 229th in Division I.

The Hurricanes are not great on the defensive end. They have allowed on average 71.9 ppg this season. That ranks 231st in the country. They allowed mid-major schools like Cornell to score 105 points.

Miami could have trouble slowing down UConn’s highly efficient offense. UConn averages 78.8 ppg and could go off in this one if Miami aren't vigilant.