Hof, Cornelius Win Bronze at FIBA U20 Europe

TEGUISE, Spain – University of Miami women’s basketball signees Laura Cornelius and Emese Hof helped the Netherlands earn the bronze medal at the FIBA U20 European Championship Sunday with a 63-51 win over Russia.

The third place finish marked the first time in the Netherlands’ history it medaled in the top flight at the European Championship, regardless of age group or gender.

In the bronze medal game victory over Russia at Pabellon Municipal de Teguise, Hof finished third on the team with 10 points and Cornelius played a co-team-high 31 minutes. They tied for the team lead with three assists each.

The Netherlands went 6-3 overall in the tournament and both future Hurricanes started all nine games.

Hof, a 6-foot-3 forward, was one of the most dominant players in the field. She led the way in field goal percentage (55 percent, 55-for-100), tied for third in double-doubles (three), ranked fourth in points per game (14.8) and field goals made (55), finished fifth in rebounds (7.9) and blocks (1.4) per game, and was sixth in offensive rebounds per game (2.8).

Cornelius was also superb for the Netherlands, concluding the tournament ranked eighth in three-point percentage (42.9 percent, 12-for-28) among the 16 participating teams. The 5-foot-8 guard also ranked ninth in assists per game (2.9) and No. 16 in field goal percentage (40 percent, 32-for-80).

According to ProspectsNation.com, Hof is the No. 14 international prospect in the class of 2015. Cornelius is ranked third on the list, the best among all point guards, and is a five-star recruit.

The duo is part of a four-player recruiting class for the Hurricanes, along with forward/center Zada Williams from Lake Wales (Fla.) High School and guard Shaneese Bailey, a transfer from Florida Atlantic.

To keep up with the University of Miami women’s basketball team throughout the offseason, follow @MiamiWBB.