North Florida @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 16, 2016 ) Miami-Florida 94, North Florida 56

After receiving a bit of a scare last time out, No 11 Miami returns home on Saturday to host North Florida. The Hurricanes shot a season-low 36.7 percent from the floor and scored just 57 points in a neutral site game against La Salle.

While the Miami struggled on offense last time out, the defense has been stellar in the early going of the season. The Hurricanes have not allowed 60 points in a game this season, twice holding an opponent under 50. North Florida could provide a bit more of a test as the Ospreys come in averaging 78.6 points per contest, which already includes games against Michigan, Michigan State and Florida. Miami is holding opponents to 33.8 percent from the field and 22.1 percent from behind the 3-point line while North Florida shoots 45.7 percent from the floor and 44.0 percent from beyond the arc.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, RSN

ABOUT NORTH FLORIDA (1-6): The Ospreys are not shy when it comes to launching from beyond the 3-point line. In a victory against NAIA Edward Waters last time out, North Florida tied a single-game school record by hitting 20 3-pointers, matching the mark originally set in January of 2016. It also marked the fourth time in seven games the Ospreys converted at least 10 from beyond the arc and leading scorer Ivan Gandia-Rosa (15.9) has connected on 22 from long range - two behind team leader J.T. Escobar (12.3 points).

ABOUT MIAMI (4-0): Sophomore center Dewan Huell has seen his workload and role increase in his second year. The 6-11 hometown product is averaging 22.5 minutes per game on the season, five more than last season, while his scoring has jumped to a team-best 13.5 points per game - up from 5.8 last season. Huell has reached double figures in all four games to start the season and recorded his first career double-double on Nov. 12 against Navy, tying a career high with 10 rebounds.

TIP-INS

1. Miami has not trailed in the second half during the first four games and has been behind a total of just 18 minutes, 3 seconds all season.

2. The Hurricanes have held four consecutive opponents to fewer than 60 points for the first time since holding six straight teams under 60 from Dec. 25, 2012 - Jan. 16, 2013.

3. Miami has opened with four consecutive victories for the fourth straight season, and last went 5-0 in 2014-15.

PREDICTION: Miami 78, North Florida 69