'Canes Reach 20 Wins with Thrilling Victory Over Georgia Tech

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) – Riquna Williams scored 27 points to lead No. 16 Miami to an 84-74 overtime victory over No. 25 Georgia Tech on Sunday.

Stefanie Yderstom hit two 3-pointers and Shenise Johnson converted six free throws in the overtime session as the Hurricanes outscored the Yellow Jackets 14-4 in the extra five minutes.

Johnson finished with 21 points in helping Miami (20-2, 6-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) to its 21st consecutive home win. The Hurricanes also snapped a six-game losing streak against the Yellow Jackets (18-6, 6-2).

Miami’s Morgan Stroman finished the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season.

Mo Bennett’s jumper with six seconds left in regulation tied it 70-70. Johnson had a chance to win it but her jumper with one second remaining hit the side of the rim.

Alex Montgomery led Georgia Tech with 19 points before fouling out with 14 seconds remaining in the second half. The Yellow Jackets’ Sasha Goodlett finished with 18 points before fouling out with 3:21 left in overtime.

Post-Game Notes

Today’s Starters
Coach Katie Meier started Shenise Johnson, Riquna Williams, Morgan Stroman, Stefanie Yderstrom, and Sylvia Bullock once again. The same group has started all 22 games this season.

With the win, the Hurricanes are now…

• 20-2 overall
• 6-1 ACC
• 17-0 at the BankUnited Center this season
• Winners of 21 straight home games
• Winners of 19 of 20 games
• 7-1 in January
• 8-11 all-time versus Georgia Tech
• 2-2 against ranked teams this season
• 5-8 in overtime games in the Katie Meier era

20-20 Vision
Today’s win marks the tenth time in UM women’s basketball that the `Canes have reached 20 wins in a season and the second time under Coach Meier. Last year’s team went 22-14.

On the Rise
The `Canes have matched their most ever ACC wins in a season with six. The 2005-06 team went 6-8 in conference play.

Today’s Opponent
The Yellow Jackets flew into Miami winners of their last two games coming off a road victory at Virginia Tech. They came in ranked 12th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 52.9 points per game.

The Rambling Wreck were ranked 25th in the most recent AP poll received votes in the ESPN/Coaches poll.

Last season Georgia Tech swept the season series winning 80-73 in overtime in Atlanta and 77-73 in Coral Gables.

GT assistant coach Octavia Blue had a stellar career for the Hurricanes from 1994-98. She was a two-time All-America and three-time All-Big East selection and scored 1,742 points – fifth-most in UM history.

Free Basketball Against the Best
Both games against ranked teams in the BankUnited Center have gone to overtime. Miami defeated No. 20/12 Georgetown 81-72 in extra time on December 7th.

Combined, the `Canes have outscored the opposition 27-8 in overtime periods this season.

Girls and Women in Sports Day
The University of Miami hosted a free sports clinic for girls at the Fieldhouse adjacent to the BankUnited Center prior to the game today.

I’ll take that
Miami, the nation’s leader, swiped 17 steals on the day, including several in critical moments of the game. Riquna Williams led the way with five. The Hurricanes also lead the conference in turnover margin continuing that trend with a +6 mark

I’ll take that as well
Miami converted all seven of their free throw attempts in the first half. The `Canes ended up shooting 72.7 percent (26-36) for the game.

Coming back
Miami used a 9-0 over 1:47 in the middle of the second half to get back into the game and grab momentum. The `Canes eventually took their first lead with 0:44 to go in the second half since the 15:44 mark of the first half when they led 7-6. Georgia Tech spent the majority of the game in the lead.

Foul!
The Hurricanes’ aggressive offense forced 28 Yellow Jackets’ fouls during the game. Four of the five Georgia Tech starters fouled out.

On the court
Riquna Williams logged a career-high 41 minutes on the floor putting in 27 points.

Double it up again
Morgan Stroman recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. It is the tenth time she has led the team in rebounds. She also converted 8 of her 11 free throw attempts.