Hurricanes Keep George Washington Out of Reach

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – After a week off for its Holiday Break, the University of Miami women’s basketball team returned to the court and its winning ways with an 83-62 victory over George Washington in the first day of the Miami Holiday Classic.

The Atlantic Coast Conference’s reigning player of the week and leading scorer Riquna Williams found herself in foul trouble early and had to watch most of the opening period from the sidelines. However, the `Canes had an All-America candidate to pick up the scoring slack.

Junior Shenise Johnson took control, scoring 17 of her game-high 19 points in the opening period. The Henrietta, N.Y. native connected on 7-of-11 field goal attempts in the half and helped the `Canes keep George Washington at arm’s length as Miami headed into the locker room with a 38-31 lead.

Johnson reached double-figures for the 50th consecutive game – the longest active streak among ACC players.

Miami’s lead grew to as much as 26 points in the second period as Williams returned to the lineup, finishing with 17 points. The Pahokee, Fla. native hit a game-high four three-pointers on the night.

Freshman and fan favorite Krystal Saunders gave Miami a spark with a season-high 14 points and her five-point run midway through the second half essentially sealed the game.

Sophomores Morgan Stroman and Stefanie Yderstrom each added 10 points in assuring the Hurricanes’ 11th straight victory as they moved to 12-1 on the season – tied for the second-best start in program history.

George Washington (5-7) became the first team Miami has faced this season that didn’t turn the ball over 20 or more times. However, the Colonials did have 18 turnovers that led to 25 points for the Hurricanes.

Sara Mostafa led the visitors with 11 points and Tara Booker pulled down a game-high seven rebounds.

Wednesday’s matchup in the Miami Holiday Classic will feature George Washington and Morgan State at 7 p.m. On Thursday, the Hurricane men will take on Pepperdine at 6 p.m. with the women taking on Morgan State after a 20-minute intermission.

During that intermission, Miami will honor it greatest women’s basketball player as Tamara James will have her No. 2 jersey raised to the rafters.

Fan can enjoy both games for the low price of $5. The Doubleheader Deal is available for purchase by calling 1-800-GO- CANES, at the Hurricane Ticket Office (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; closed Dec. 22-Dec. 27 and Dec. 30-Jan. 3) or on gameday at the BankUnited Center Box Office.

POST-GAME NOTES

The win today…
-is Miami’s 11th in a row
-improves Miami’s record to 12-1
-improves Miami’s record to 11-0 at home, and is the 15th straight win at home dating back to last season.

Today’s Starters
Starting for Miami today was Riquna Williams, Shenise Johnson, Stephanie Yderstrom, Sylvia Bullock, and Morgan Stroman. The Hurricanes have used the same starting lineup in all 13 games this year.

Threes Company
With a season-high 11 three-pointers, Miami extended its streak to 305 consecutive games with a three-point field goal.

Today’s Opponent
George Washington visited the Bank United Center for the first time in program history today.

Shenise Continues the Streak

With her 19 points today, Shenise Johnson has now scored in double figures for the 50th straight game.