Hurricanes Top Clemson, 77-48, Push Win Streak to 16

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) – Riquna Williams scored a season-high 29 points to help No. 22 Miami win its first game as a ranked team this season with a 77-48 victory over Clemson on Friday night at the BankUnited Center.

The Hurricanes (17-1, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) won their 16th straight game, tied with No. 3 Duke for the longest streak in the nation.

Williams, a junior guard who came with an ACC-best 19.8 scoring average, made 11 of 15 shots, including 6 of 8 from 3-point range. She also had five assists and six steals in only 22 minutes.

Miami scored the first eight points of the game and led the whole way. The Hurricanes were ahead 43-14 by halftime.

Shenise Johnson added 18 points for Miami, which improved to 14-0 at home this season.
Sthefany Thomas scored 17 points on 5-of-20 shooting for Clemson (8-10, 1-2).

Postgame Notes

The win today…
-is Miami’s 16th in a row
-improves Miami’s record to 17-1
-improves Miami’s record to 14-0 at home, and is the 18th straight win at home dating back to last season.
-Is the ninth meeting between the two schools. Clemson leads the all-time series 5-4.
-Is the first 3-0 start in ACC play for Miami.
-Is the 16th double-digit victory of the season for Miami.

Tonight’s Starters
Starting for Miami tonight was Riquna Williams, Shenise Johnson, Stephanie Yderstrom, Sylvia Bullock, and Morgan Stroman. The Hurricanes have used the same starting lineup in all 18 games this year.

One Woman Show
Junior Riquna Williams set a season-high with 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting. At many points during the game, Williams had more points than Clemson did as a team, scoring 21 in the first half to the Tigers’ 18. When she was taken out for good at the 9:32 mark, Williams had 29 to Clemson’s 21.

Pressure Burst Pipes
The Hurricanes forced 35 Clemson turnovers and have forced at least 20 in all but one game this season. The 35 turnovers are the most by any Miami opponent this season.

Miami’s defense helped the `Canes secure the 29-point margin of victory. The margin of victory and points allowed (48) are records against an ACC opponent since Miami joined the league. The previous records for fewest points allowed and margin of victory came in a 77-51 victory over Wake Forest on Feb. 8, 2006.

Shenise Continues the Streak
With 18 points tonight, Shenise Johnson stretched her streak of consecutive games in double figures to 55. The All-America candidate is second in the ACC at 19.1 points per game, trailing only teammate Riquna Williams

Downtown Dominance
With Riquna Williams’ three pointer with 18:21 remaining in the first half, the Hurricanes have made a three-pointer in 310 straight games and now have exactly 100 on the season.

Faces in the Crowd
-UM wide receiver Leonard Hankerson
-UM wide receiver Travis Benjamin
-UM quarterback Jacory Harris
-UM baseball head coach Jim Morris
-UM third baseman Harold Martinez

-UM athletic director Kirby Hocutt