Miami Unable to Catch Boston College in 62-54 Defeat
Jan. 18, 2009
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – The University of Miami women’s basketball team (10-8, 0-4) fell behind by 13 points midway through the first half, before going on a 12-0 run. However, the Hurricanes could never take the lead, falling 62-54 to the Boston College Eagles (14-4, 3-1) at the Conte Forum.The Eagles used the three-point shot early to get their lead and then relied on it late to keep Miami at arm’s length. In all, BC hit seven long balls while the Hurricanes struggled, going only 1-15 from beyond the arc.
Miami followed head coach Katie Meier’s defensive game-plan perfectly, holding Boston College’s post players Carolyn Swords and Stefanie Murphy below their season average. The duo was only able to score 22 points on the day.
Freshman Riquna Williams led the `Canes with 13 points while Latoya Drake, Diane Barnes and Shenise Johnson each scored 10.
Three three-pointers from the Eagles’ Jaclyn Thoman helped the home team gain a 13-point lead after only nine minutes of play. In a six minute span, the Hurricanes closed the gap to one after Williams scored a total of nine points. LaToya Cunningham ended a 12-0 run for Miami with the team’s only three pointer, to make the score 23-22. The team traded baskets until the break and BC led 29-27.
Boston’s junior guard Mickel Picco took over in the second-half, scoring all of her game-high 14 points in the period. Every time it seemed that Miami would be able to put a run together Picco would hit a shot to keep the visitors just out of reach.
BC pushed its lead to as much as 10 in the second half, but a late rally from the Hurricanes cut the lead to four points with 1:40 remaining. The remainder of the game saw the Eagles hit all of their free throws. For the day, Boston College went 15-16 from the charity stripe while Miami was 5-8.
Johnson scored all of her points in the second-half and also led Miami with six assists in the game.
Barnes was the team’s leading rebounder with six. Both Johnson and Drake added four boards apiece.
The Hurricanes will host the NC State Wolfpack, Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. For ticket information, please call 1-800-Go-Canes or visit hurricanesports.com.
