Miami Advances to Championship Game at UM Thanksgiving Tournament
Nov. 25, 2005
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami women’s basketball team defeated Bradley, 73-61, Friday evening in the first round of the 2005 Miami Thanksgiving Tournament. Senior forward Tamara James and junior guard Renee Taylor scored a combined 45 of Miami’s points turning in 23 and 22, respectively.
James added 10 rebounds for the Hurricanes (2-0) to complete the double-double, her first of the season.
Miami took a 16-14 lead on a James three-pointer nine minutes into the game and the Braves (2-1) were never able to regain control. The Hurricanes extended the lead going on a 12-2 run over the next four minutes, but the Braves responded with a 7-2 run of their own to cut the Miami lead to 30-23 at the half.
The Hurricanes shot 47 percent in the second half to pull away from the Braves, who cut the lead to five early in the second half.
One game after moving into third place all-time in career points, James’ 10 rebounds on the night gave her 590 on her UM career to place the National Player of the Year candidate into ninth place all-time at UM.
Senior guard Melissa Knight scored 15 points against the Braves, hitting 6-of-12 from the field while knocking down a trio of three-pointers.
Bradley’s Devyn Flanagan led all scorers with 25 points and a game high 11 rebounds.
In Friday’s other first round match-up, Oakland downed Duquesne 65-54 to advance to Saturday’s championship. Saturday’s championship game is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the BankUnited Center as the Hurricanes take on the Golden Grizzles. Duquesne and Bradley will tip-off in the consolation game at 6 p.m.
