No. 22 `Canes Rally Past Boston College for 17th Straight

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 22nd-ranked University of Miami women’s basketball team came from behind in the second half to defeat Boston College 65-53 at the BankUnited Center on Sunday. The victory extends the Hurricanes’ win streak to 17 games – tied for the nation’s longest.

Riquna Williams and Shenise Johnson picked up where they left off from Friday scoring a combined 53 points to help improve the `Canes to 4-0 in the ACC, matching the same amount of conference wins as last season.

The Eagles pushed their lead to 34-27 two minutes into the second half, before head coach Katie Meier called a 30 second timeout. Miami had not trailed an opponent by that much since their loss at Nebraska in the second game of the season.

However, the ACC’s two leading scorers, Johnson and Williams led a 12-0 run over the next six minutes capped by a Morgan Stroman fast break layup to take the lead 39-34 – taking control of the game.

Williams and Johnson showed their ability on both sides of the floor pushing the tempo, attempting to neutralize the size advantage Boston College held.

For the game, Williams totaled 33 points – including six three-point baskets. She is averaging 26.3 points per game in conference games this season and dating back to last season, she has scored at least 20 points in seven straight ACC contests.

Johnson also continued her stellar play, scoring 20 points – hitting 8-of-10 from the free throw line. The junior also collected a team-high seven rebounds. However, it was her career-high nine steals that proved to be important to Miami as she helped keep the ball away from the Boston College frontcourt.

The Hurricanes (18-1, 4-0 ACC) tallied 15 fast break points while not allowing the Eagles (14-4, 1-2 ACC) to score any.

The visitors challenged Miami from the start with their size in the frontcourt, led by All-ACC center Carolyn Swords as BC took a 30-27 lead into the half. Swords nearly registered a double-double at the break with 11 points and nine rebounds.

Boston College’s size led to a dominate performance on the boards – holding a 48-27 advantage on the afternoon, but it was its 31 turnovers that was its downfall. Miami’s pressure defense has now forced at least 20 turnovers in all but one game this season.

The Hurricanes defense held the Eagles to a season-low 53 points, 32 below their average.

With the win, Miami also extends their home winning streak to 19 in a row.

The Hurricanes will now enjoy an eight-day layoff before heading to Tallahassee, Fla. to face rival Florida St. on January 24th.

Post-Game Notes

The win today…
-is Miami’s 17th in a row, tied for the longest streak in the nation
-improves Miami’s record to 18-1
-improves Miami’s record to 15-0 at home this season and is the 18th straight win at home dating back to last season.
-Is the first 4-0 start in ACC play for Miami, tying the team’s conference win total from last year.
-Is the 17th double digit victory of the season for Miami. The only opponents to get within 10 of the Hurricanes this year were both ranked.

Today’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 19 games this year.

One-Woman Wrecking Crew
Riquna Williams went off for her second straight game, setting another season-high with 33 points, over half of the team’s total. This was her seventh-straight conference game with at least 20 points.

Stealing the Show
Shenise Johnson set a new career-high with nine steals. Morgan Stroman added five as the Hurricanes forced 19 as a team. The Hurricanes are second in the nation in steals this year.

Pressure Burst Pipes
The Hurricanes forced 31 BC turnovers and have forced at least 20 in all but one game this season. Miami’s defense held the Eagles to a season-low 53 points – 32 points below their season average. When Miami took control in the second half on a 12-0 run, BC went on a seven-minute scoring drought.

Shenise Continues the Streak
With 20 points tonight, Shenise Johnson stretched her streak of consecutive games in double figures to 56. The All-America candidate is second in the ACC at 19.1 points per game, trailing only teammate Riquna Williams

Downtown Dominance
With Stephanie Yderstrom’s trey with 13:49 left in the first half, Miami hit a three pointer for the 311th straight game. Besides Yderstrom’s shot, Miami’s other six three-pointers came from Riquna Williams.

Overcoming Adversity
Miami trailed by seven points early in the second half, the largest deficit they have overcome to win a game this season. It was only the second time Miami has trailed at the half this year.

Faces in the Crowd
-UM wide receiver Leonard Hankerson
-UM president Donna Shalala
-UM athletic director Kirby Hocutt

-UM forward Julian Gamble