Miami Falls Short in Comeback Bid Against Houston

Dec. 8, 2007

Coral Gables, Fla. – –

The <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>University of Miami women’s basketball team (4-5) came from 17 points down to lead the Houston Cougars (5-6), but two late free-throws sealed the 63-62 win for the visitors at the BankUnitedCenter.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

With 8:13 left in the game the Hurricanes found themselves down 58-41.  Four straight three-pointers, two from freshman Epiphany Woodson and two more from Maurita Reid pulled Miami to within five with four minutes to go.

The final eight minutes saw the `Canes apply an effective full-court pressure, forcing nine turnovers to get back into the game. 

Senior Albrey Grimsley’s jumper with 1:09 left gave UM their first lead of the second half at 62-61.  However, on Houston’s ensuing possession the Cougar’s Twiggy McIntyre drew a foul and hit both ends of the one-and-one. 

Down 63-62, the Hurricanes were unable to connect on their final four shots, and time expired before they could get off a fifth.

Reid had a game-high 20 points to go along with her five steals and she was a large part in Miami holding a 21-14 advantage in points off turnovers.

Grimsley finished with 12 points while Woodson added 11 more.  Four players scored in double figures for Houston, led by Tye Jackson’s 15.

The Cougars led at the half 27-26, thanks to a four-minute stretch where they held the Hurricanes scoreless taking a three-point lead at 17-14.  The two teams traded baskets going into the break.  At the end of the first half, Houston’s McIntyre led all scorers with nine points, all three-point field goals.  Reid led UM with seven first half points.

Miami will wait seven days before they face Ole Miss on Saturday, Dec. 15.  Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at the BankUnitedCenter.