Miami Dominates Hartford, 97-61
Dec. 11, 1999
MIAMI (AP) – Johnny Hemsley scored 20 points and dished out five assists asthe Miami Hurricanes broke a two-game losing streak with a 97-61 victory overHartford on Saturday.
Miami (4-2) had lost to Memphis and UNC Charlotte with an injury-depletedsquad, but against the Hawks (2-5) the Hurricanes’ bench was back to near fullstrength. Prior to the game, Miami had not practiced with all 10 scholarshipplayers.
Hemsley, one of 30 preseason candidates for the Naismith Player of the YearAward, pumped in 18 points in the first half as Miami took control early. Hefinished 7 of 13 from the field, including 4 of 7 from beyond the 3-point line.
The Hurricanes led 53-25 at the half. It was Miami’s largest first-halfscoring output since 1989 and its largest halftime lead since 1991.
Center Mario Bland added 14 points and 12 rebounds for Miami, his thirdstraight double-double. John Salmons had 13 points for the Hurricanes and LeroyHurd had a career-high 15 points off the bench.
For the game, Miami shot 51 percent from the field, while limiting Hartfordto 35 percent shooting. Miami had 22 assists in the game, led by VernonJennings’ seven, to five for Hartford.
The Hurricanes never trailed, jumping out to a double-digit lead behindtheir perimeter shooting.
Freshman Pierre Johnson led Hartford with 18 points and six rebounds.Darrick Jackson and Wayne McClinton combined for 23 points, seven rebounds andthree assists off the bench.
