Jan. 1, 2009
CORAL GABLES – The University of Miami women’s basketball team welcome the Cornell Big Red to the BankUnited Center, Friday, Jan. 2, with tip off set for 7 p.m.
Cornell at MiamiFriday, Jan. 2, 2009 / BankUnited Center / Coral Gables, Fla. / 7 p.m.TV: None Radio: WVUM 90.5 FM Web/Live Stats: www.hurricanesports.com Internet Video: None Internet Audio: www.wvum.org
Miami faced its first ranked opponent in No. 9/10 Auburn just three days ago. The Hurricanes led 32-30 at the half against the undefeated Tigers, but the Auburn defense clamped down in the second period, holding UM to only 23 percent shooting from the floor.In the hard fought loss, Shenise Johnson led all scorers with 21 points, matching her career-high. The freshman phenom also pulled down eight rebounds. Latoya Drake also scored in double-figures with 12 points.The Hurricanes will play their second Ivy League opponent when the host Cornell. On Dec. 29, Miami defeated Brown 81-41 in the opening round of the UM Holiday Tournament.
A Look at CornellCornell comes to Coral Gables with a 4-5 record with wins over Albany (50-46), St. Francis, N.Y. (59-48), Bryant (66-55) and Fairfield (58-54).The Big Red are led by Shannan Scarselletta who is averaging 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Allie Fedorowicz and Lauren Benson score 11.7 and 10.8 points per game respectively.Cornell is averaging 54.4 points and 35.9 rebounds per game as a team. It is shooting 38.4 percent (178-463) from the floor, 33.5 percent (55-164) from beyond the arc and 69.3 (79-114) from the free throw line. The Big Red also register 4.7 steals and 2.1 blocked shots per outing, while holding their opponents to 64.0 points per game and a shooting percentage of 39.0 (211-541).
The SeriesThis will be the first ever meeting between the two programs.
Special NoteMiami’s Jan. 5 ACC opener against Clemson has been moved up to a 4 p.m. tip. The game was originally scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Following the women’s game The Hurricane men will be taking on Florida Atlantic at 7 p.m. For ticket information, please call 1-800-Go-Canes or visit hurricanesports.com.