Hurricanes Defeat Team Georgia, 93-67
Nov. 12, 2003
Coral Gables, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – Senior forward Darius Rice (Jackson, Miss.) poured in 26 points to lead four Hurricanes in double-figures as the University of Miami men’s basketball team defeated Team Georgia, 93-67, Wednesday night at the Convocation Center.
The Hurricanes shot 46 percent, including 20-37 (.541) in the second half, and outscored Team Georgia 40 to 16 in the paint. Miami’s defense was also impressive holding Team Georgia to just 22-59 (.373) from the field. The Hurricanes outrebounded Team Georgia 48 to 34 and scored 33 points off 22 Team Georgia turnovers.
“The biggest thing that impressed me tonight was that we had balanced scoring,” Miami Head Coach Perry Clark said. “We had four guys in double figures in scoring and I think that is going to be important for us through out the course of the year.”
Junior forward William Frisby (Bay Shore, N.Y.) scored 15 points and pulled down six rebounds in his first action since the 2000-01 season. Frisby missed all of last season with a foot injury, and sat at the first exhibition game due to illness.
“It feels great to be back,” said Frisby after the game. “This was my first game on this court and in this arena which had my adrenalin pumping. When I stepped on the court tonight I was ready to play.”
The Hurricanes had balanced scoring attack included sophomore guard Rob Hite (Cleveland, Ohio) who registered 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals, and freshman guard Guillermo Diaz (San Juan, Puerto Rico) who threw in 10 points including two spectacular dunks that brought the crowd to its feet.
“Having four players in double-figures was big for us tonight,” said Rice, who is a preseason candidate for both the John Wooden and Naismith National Player of the Year Awards. “Everyone knows my ability and will be coming at me every night. We learned last year that you need more than one or two people scoring consistently to win.”
Miami opens its regular-season on November 21 against Lubbock Christian starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Convocation Center. For ticket information contact the Hurricane Ticket Office at (305) 284-CANE in Dade, or 1-800-GO-CANES.
