Women's Hoops Host FIU

Dec. 3, 1999

Coral Gables, FL – The University of Miami women’s basketball team (2-2) host cross-town rival Florida International (2-0) on Saturday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knight Sports Complex on the UM campus.

The Hurricanes, who meet up with FIU for the 45th time since the 1975-76 season, lead the overall series between the two schools 28-16. Last season, Miami defeated the FIU, 67-65, at Golden Panther Arena in UM’s season opener. Following a nine-game win streak in the series for UM, the two schools have split the last six meetings.

Miami, who last lost late to Florida, 85-77, on Dec. 1, is led in scoring by guard Sheila James (14.2 ppg), followed by guard Gina Graziani (9.8 ppg) and forward Alicia Hartlaub (9.8 ppg). Hartlaub also leads the team in rebounding with a 8.2 per game average, while Graziani paces the team in assists with 8.3 per game.

Florida International comes into the game having not played since a 85-55 win over Eastern Kentucky in the championship game of its own FIU Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 27. FIU defeated Long Island, 76-56, in the tournament opener. The Golden Panthers leading scorers are Gergana Slavtcheva (14.0 ppg), followed by Viktoria Nagy (12.5 ppg) and Silvia Mesa (12.0 ppg). Slavtcheva (11.5 rpg) is FIU’s top rebounder.

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m., Knight Sports ComplexRadio: WVUM (90.5 FM)Tickets: $5 adult, $3 children 17 and younger, UM students free. Call 305-284-CANES or 800-GO-CANES

Probable Starters:Miami Yr. Ht. Ppg RpgF Meghan Saake Fr. 5-10 8.5 4.2F Alicia Hartlaub Fr. 6-2 9.8 8.2C Camilla Osth Jr. 6-2 8.2 2.8G Sheila James So. 5-5 14.2 4.2G Gina Graziani Sr. 5-8 9.8 3.2Head Coach: Ferne Labati

Florida International Yr. Ht. Ppg RpgF Laura Camps Sr. 5-11 6.0 5.0F Cheryl Moody So. 6-1 9.0 4.0C Viktoria Nagy Sr. 6-2 12.5 8.0G Gergana Slavtcheva So. 6-1 14.0 11.5G Anita Heller Fr. 5-9 9.5 1.5Head Coach: Cindy Russo