'Canes Suffer Setback At Western Kentucky

Jan. 11, 2000

BOWLING GREEN, KY – The University of Miami women’s basketball team (7-6, 1-1 BIG EAST) fell to Western Kentucky (7-6, 1-1 Sun Belt), 75-68, on Tuesday in non-conference action at E.A. Diddle Arena.

The Lady Toppers scored the first seven points of the game before Miami responded with nine straight to even the score. The tie was the first of four in the half as the teams traded the lead seven times before WKU took a one-point advantage into halftime.

Western hit a basket to start the second stanza before sophomore Sheila James scored the ‘Canes first seven points of the half. WKU answered each basket before Gina Graziani gave UM the lead on a 10-foot jumper with 13:33 remaining. The teams continued to trade baskets until the Hurricanes went on an 8-0 run to take a 53-47 advantage at 11:14. Miami maintained the lead until the Lady Toppers tied the game at 3:28 at 64 apiece. WKU then took the lead for good on a layup as UM was outscored 11-4 during the final five minutes of the contest.

The Hurricanes were led by Alicia Hartlaub’s career-best 22 points. James (20) and Graziani (11) also scored in double figures. Kathryn Fowler grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds.