Seventh-Ranked Canes Roll in Exhibition Opener, 96-44

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Head Coach Katie Meier’s No. 7 Miami Hurricanes opened their 2011-12 season with a 96 – 44 blowout exhibition win over Barry University Monday at the BankUnited Center. The Hurricanes were paced by 13 points apiece from senior guards Shenise Johnson and Riquna Williams.

The Hurricanes began the game on a 31-4 run and never looked back. The Canes, who had 12 different players register points in the first half, finished the first frame up on the Buccaneers by a 51-15 margin. Coach Meier’s team shot an impressive 67.9% from the field in the period, including a 75 percent success rate on three-point field goals (6-for-8).

As Johnson showcased her versatile offensive skill-set, Williams and junior guard Stefanie Yderstrom matched the Preseason All-American with impressive offensive displays of their own. Williams and Yderstrom each hit two three-pointers apiece en route to a combined 13 points. The Hurricanes would out-rebound the Buccaneers 26-15 in the period, including three rebounds from junior transfer Shawnice “Pepper” Wilson.

Though Barry picked up their pace in the second half, the Canes’ offensive firepower proved too much to handle for the Buccaneers. Wilson would add eight of her 10 points in the period, while junior forward Morgan Stroman added six of her own, as the Hurricanes built a 50-point lead with just under five minutes to go.

The Hurricanes ended the game with a 50-25 edge on the glass and a 40-12 scoring edge in the paint. In total, five players registered in double figures for the Hurricanes (Johnson, Williams, Yderstrom, Wilson and Stroman), and every player on the Hurricanes roster recorded at least one point in the victory.

Barry was paced by 16 points from Shanna Suttington and 12 points from Yvonne Houston.