`Canes Roll in Final Non-Conference Game

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami women’s basketball team opened 2011 as it finished off 2010 with a convincing 91-52 victory over Lipscomb in the final non-conference game on the schedule. It marked the 17th consecutive win at the BankUnited Center and 13th straight overall for the Hurricanes.

The 14-1 record ties the best mark in program history after 15 games – tying the 1991-92 squad who went on to win the Big East.

The `Canes put out an impressive stat sheet highlighted by three double-doubles with Morgan Stroman (20 points, 10 rebounds), Riquna Williams (24 points, 11 rebounds), and Shenise Johnson (25 points, 10 rebounds) all reaching the plateau. It was the second time this season that Miami had three players record double-doubles as it also occurred in the season opener against Kennesaw State on November 12th.

The Hurricanes tenacious defense forced 25 Lady Bison turnovers while garnering 21 steals. Miami has forced at least 20 turnovers in all but one game this season and came into the contest ranked fourth in the nation in steals per game. Williams led the way with seven more steals – giving her 16 in the last two games.

Miami took the ball to the basket all day, putting pressure on the Lipscomb defense. The `Canes made a season-high 37 trips to the free throw line and hit on 29 of the attempts.

The home team also dominated the boards grabbing 54 rebounds to the Lady Bison’s 25. It was the fifth time this season the team picked up more than 50 caroms. Williams had a game and career-high tying 11 rebounds.

Miami led from the start and stayed ahead all afternoon going up by as many as 39 points toward the end of the second half.

Lipscomb (5-6) of the Atlantic Sun Conference was led by junior guard Anna Bowers who scored 15 points in 34 minutes of play. It was the first ever match-up between the two schools.

The `Canes travel to the Old Dominion state next week to open the ACC schedule with contests at Virginia (Jan. 6) and at Virginia Tech (Jan. 9).

POST-GAME NOTES

The win today…
-is Miami’s 13th in a row – the second-highest streak in program history.
-improves Miami’s record to 14-1 – tied for the best start in program history after 15 games. The `Canes started 30-1 during the 1991-92 season.
-improves Miami’s record to 13-0 at home, and is the 17th straight win at home dating back to last season. The home win streak is tied for the second-longest is program history

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 15 games this year.

Crashing the Boards
Miami recorded 50+ rebounds for the fifth time this season, the 53 boards were the most since it grabbed 55 against CSU Bakersfield on Dec. 5. Riquna Williams’ matched a career-best with her 11 rebounds on the day.

Double-Double Trouble
For the second time this season (Kennesaw State, Nov. 12) the Hurricanes had three players record a double-double. Shenise Johnson had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Riquna Williams had 24 points and 11 rebounds and Morgan Stroman had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Threes Company
With two threes in today’s game, Miami extended its streak to 307 consecutive games with a three-point field goal.

Today’s Opponent
Lipscomb and Miami met for the first time on the hardwood today.

Shenise Continues the Streak
With her game-high 25 points today, Shenise Johnson has now scored in double figures for the 52nd straight game.

Pressure Burst Pipes
Today the `Canes forced 25 turnovers. Miami’s full-court pressure defense has forced its opponents into 20 or more turnovers in all but one game so far this season.