Miami struggling around perimeter with Boston College on deck

Miami finds itself in a slump at a critical juncture of the schedule as it prepares to visit Boston College on Saturday in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

The Hurricanes (17-5, 6-3 ACC) have followed a 10-game win streak with a 2-3 stretch that has endangered their NCAA Tournament hopes.

Jai Lucas, Miami's first-year head coach, said the path to improvement is on defense.

"We have to guard the ball better," Lucas said. "We have to defend without fouling."

Miami ranks fourth in the...