Hurricanes Suffer Another Heart-Breaker to Florida State
Feb. 28, 2008
<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The University of Miami women’s basketball team (9-19, 2-11) was dealt a blow after a game-time decision ruled out starting point-guard Epiphany Woodson, due to a leg injury. Even without Woodson the Hurricanes held a one-point lead, before FloridaState’s (17-11, 7-6) Shante Williams hit a jumper with seven seconds left, for the 50-49 final.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
Without Woodson, another freshman had to step-up, and Damisha Moore did just that. The Carterville, Ga. native responded with career-highs in almost every statistical category, including grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds.
Also making a huge impact, with the loss of their point-guard, was junior captain LaToya Cunningham. She took over the point and played all 40 minutes for the first-time in her career. Cunningham scored 10 points in the effort, including two big three-pointers, as the shot clock neared zero.
Playing arguably her best game of the season was senior center Carla Williams who scored 10 points, most of which, coming off of her four tough offensive rebounds. Her play was one of the reasons why the Hurricanes dominated points in the paint, 32-18.
Going into the break, the `Canes held a 25-20 lead, led by Cunningham’s seven points. Miami came out hot to start the second period, as they built themselves an 11-point lead, but a serious disparity in called fouls went against the visiting team, changing the game’s momentum. The Seminoles were already in the bonus with 11:49 to play, a point in the game when Miami was leading by seven.
Florida State didn’t shoot well from the line, but they did make 10 of 19 shots from the charity stripe to only seven total attempts for the Hurricanes.
FSU’s Williams was unstoppable when she reached the lane as she scored 15 points in the second-half, after being held without a field goal in the first half.
The Hurricanes will play their final game of the regular season, Sunday against BostonCollege at 3 p.m. at the BankUnitedCenter. The game will be the last regular season contest for seniors Maurita Reid and Williams, who will be honored prior to the game.
