Miami Shuts Down Fordham in 57-40 Win

Nov. 23, 2007

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – – The University of Miami women’s basketball team(2-2) put on a defensive clinic in their 57-40 win over the visiting Fordham University Rams (0-4), in the opening round of the UM Thanksgiving Tournament at the BankUnited Center.

Every game so far this season the Hurricanes have led their opponent in rebounds, as they did Friday night 45-42. However, Miami hadn’t really put together a complete game until facing Fordham. The Rams committed 22 turnovers and didn’t have a single player reach double-digit points.

Junior Lamese James came off the bench and recorded the second double-double of her career with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Also having a great game was freshman Vitalija Vasciunaite who had 12 points, sharing the team-lead with senior Maurita Reid. All of Vasciunaite points came via the long ball with two three-pointers in each half.

Head Coach Katie Meier’s Hurricanes played a shutdown man defense in the first half, holding the Rams to a paltry .143 shooting percentage. Miami’s defense didn’t allow a field goal until the 8:30 in the game and only a total 16 points in the opening half. Miami’s bench was very crucial for the high-octane defense as 14 players checked into the ball game to keep the intensity level up.

Vasciunaite added a spark to the Miami offense as she scored back-to-back three pointers from the corner half-way through the first half, giving UM a 12 point advantage.

The second half become more offensive for Miami as they scored 37 points, putting away Fordham who ended the game shooting 23.5 percent from the floor. Beth Troutt led the Rams with eight points including two three-pointers.

With the win the Hurricanes move on to the finals of tournament where they will face Butler University at 7:00 p.m. The Bulldogs reached the finals with a victory over Monmouth where they rode a strong second half performance to a 63-52 win. The consolation game begins at 5:00 p.m. with Monmouth facing Fordham.