Miami Unable to Catch Boston College

Feb. 16, 2009

CORAL GABLES – The University of Miami women’s basketball team (13-12, 2-8) tied Boston College (18-7, 6-4) right before the half, but just could not take the lead in the second half. The Eagles took the lead on their first possession after the break and out-lasted the Hurricanes, 71-64, Monday night at the BankUnited Center.For the eighth time this season, freshman Shenise Johnson led Miami in scoring, pouring in 18-points on the night. Not only did the superb freshman score but she dished out a team-high three assists, grabbed seven rebounds, blocked three shots and had five steals.

For the second straight game, the Hurricanes had 10 different players score, and nine players were on the court for 10 or more minutes. However, in this game Boston College’s post presence of Carolyn Swords and Stephanie Murphy were just too much for Miami.

Swords scored 24 points while Murphy went for 15. Each player recorded double-doubles as they each pulled down 11 rebounds. The `Canes held the Eagles’ leading scorer, Mickel Picco to only four points, but the 20-rebound disadvantage was too much for Miami to overcome.

Head coach Katie Meier wanted to force turnovers, and that’s exactly what her team did. In all, Miami forced 25 turnovers. Johnson and fellow freshman Riquna Williams each had five steals, accounting for all but four of the team’s thefts. Williams finished with nine points in the game and appears to be fully recovered from an ankle injury.

Sophomore point guard Epiphany Woodson also scored nine points and senior Lamese James added seven for the home team.

With a minute remaining in the first half, BC’s Corey Rusin hit a three-pointer to put her team up five. However, James responded with a three of her own. Johnson stole the Eagles’ inbounds and quickly passed to James who returned it to the cutting guard for the easy lay-up, tying the game at 32, right before the break.

The Hurricanes will play their next three games on the road, beginning with a match-up against the No. 17/15 Virginia Cavaliers on Thursday, Feb. 19. Miami will return to the BankUnited Center on Sunday, March 1 in its regular season finale.