Johnson, Hurricanes Too Much For Virginia
Jan. 6, 2011
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Hurricanes, led by junior Shenise Johnson’s 30 points and 11 rebounds, earned a big 82-73 road victory over Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams Thursday night at the John Paul Jones Arena. The win was the 14th straight for Miami – the second longest win streak in program history. The double-double was the seventh of the season for the do-everything guard. The Preseason All-ACC selection proved that she might be one of the most complete players in the country, as Johnson added game-highs in both assists and steals, with six and four respectively. Trailing by as much as five points in the opening half, Miami (15-1, 1-0 ACC) closed out the period on an 8-0 run, keyed by four points each from Riquna Williams and Morgan Stroman. The run continued in the second half with a corner three from R. Williams and a Sylvia Bullock layup. In all, the Hurricanes went on a 13-0 run to take a 44-34 lead. The Cavaliers would get within one point with 8:09 to go, but Miami never trailed again. After Virginia closed the gap to one, Johnson nailed one of her career-high tying 11 field goals to go up 59-56. On the next possession, reserve guard Shanel Williams stepped up and hit a three to extend the `Canes lead to six, limiting the home team’s chances for a comeback. Despite a poor shooting performance in the first half, R. Williams continued to attack the basket and draw fouls. The two-time ACC Player of the Week hit 9-of-11 free throws on the night and ended the game with 22 points. As a team, the `Canes connected on 20 of their 22 free throw attempts for a season-best 90.9 percent. Stroman added 12 points and 12 rebounds – recording her second straight double-double and the fifth of the season. Bullock also reached double-figures on the night, adding 10 points. Once again, the Miami defense forced 20 turnovers – leading to 23 points. The `Canes have forced 20 or more turnovers in all but one of their sixteen games this season. Virginia (10-6, 0-1 ACC) was led on the offensive end by Paulisha Kallum’s 19 points. Ariana Moorer scored 17 points, while Ataira Franklin added 15 and a team-high eight rebounds. Miami will stay on the road as it faces Virginia Tech Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Cassel Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va. |
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POST-GAME NOTES The win today… Today’s Starters Double-Double Trouble Threes Company Today’s Opponent Shenise Continues the Streak Pressure Burst Pipes |