Second-Half Rally Not Enough For Hurricanes
Jan. 17, 2010
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Down by 19 points in the second-half, the No. 25 University of Miami women’s basketball team (13-4, 1-2) rallied and even took a three-point lead, but eventually fell to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-7, 2-2) by a 67-64 score at the Joel Coliseum Sunday afternoon.
Sophomore guard Shenise Johnson scored 16 of her game-high 19 points in the second half and led the Hurricanes comeback. The All-American candidate also grabbed nine rebounds and recorded seven steals in the defeat. She also led her team with four assists.
Miami had a first half to forget, as they were held to a season-low 16 points and shot only 26 percent from the floor while committing 12 turnovers. Diane Barnes did have eight points at the break and Johnson already had six rebounds.
Wake Forest led 37-18 with 18:05 remaining. After that, Miami went on a 37-15 run, taking a three point lead with 5:06 to go. The comeback was fueled by 14 Demon Deacon turnovers in the second half, which the Hurricanes took advantage of – scoring 27 points off of them. Miami had zero points off turnovers in the first half.
Riquna Williams only had three points at the break, but consistently penetrated into the Wake Forest defense and ended the game with 17 points. Diane Barnes also finished with double-figures, as she put up 10 points to go along with her five rebounds.
Freshmen Stefanie Yderstom, Morgan Stroman and Shanel all played vital roles for Miami. Yderstrom scored eight points in a span of 1:30 in the second half, including two three-pointers. Stroman scored four points and grabbed six rebounds – all offensive and Shanel Williams played an important 13 minutes for her team.
Wake Forest took the lead for good on Secily Ray layup with 3:35 to go. The home team led by as much as eight points in the final minutes. The `Canes tried to mount another comeback but could only close to three points and Yderstrom was unable to get a desperations shot off in the final moments.
Ray led the Demon Deacons with 16 points and Brittany Waters added 14. Brooke Thomas also had a game-high eight assists.
The Hurricanes continue ACC play when they play their second straight road game at Maryland. Game time is set for 7 p.m. on a Thursday, Jan. 21 at the Comcast Center in College Park, Md. The `Canes will return to the BankUnited Center to face Virginia Tech on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.
For ticket information, please call 1-800-GO-CANES or visit hurricanesports.com
