Hurricanes Fall Just Short in Upset Bid of No. 8 LSU
Dec. 19, 2007
CANCUN, Mexico –
The <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>University of Miami women’s basketball team (5-7) played a solid game against the nation’s eighth-ranked team, the LSU Lady Tigers (9-2). The Hurricanes got as close as four points late in the second half before being forced to foul in the 63-52 LSU win, in the final day of competition at the Caribbean Classic at the Moon Palace Resort.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
Carla Williams, Lamese James and Latoya Drake rotated defensively on All-American candidate Sylvia Fowles, limiting her to her second lowest point-total of the season at 13. Drake, coming off a career effort a day ago was limited to only four points, but her aggressive defense was far more valuable to her team.
Miami trailed LSU by as much as eight points just 10 minutes into the contest, but a three pointer by Charmaine Clark and a game-tying jumper from Albrey Grimsley with 5:51 left in the first half, highlighted a Hurricanes’ 10-2 run.
LSU then went on a run of their own as the Lady Tigers scores 11 straight before Grimsley added a three-pointer just before the break, cutting into the LSU lead at 31-23.
The two teams traded baskets for most of the second-half but with 4:21 remaining, Clark’s jumper cut the Hurricane deficit to 46-50. Unfortunately for Miami, they were forced to foul in the closing minutes and LSU’s Quianna Chamey was up for the challenge going 6-6 from the charity stripe, leading to the 63-52 final.
Grimsley finished the game with a season-high 16 points. The senior guard was clutch in both shooting the three-ball as well as driving through the lane for tough inside points. The Lady Tigers were led offensively by Chaney who had 16 points as well, Fowles grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.
Miami will return home to the BankUnitedCenter where they will host the UM Holiday Tournament. Participating schools include Maine, Toledo and Central Arkansas. The `Canes open with Maine on Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. The consolation game will be played on the Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. while the championship is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
