CORAL GABLES, Fla.  – No. 23 Miami women’s basketball’s second half success proved itself once again as the Canes (10-1) outscored Alabama State (0-11), 52-14, after the break in an 81-36 victory Thursday, Dec. 28. 

UM outrebounded Alabama State by 33, holding the Hornets to just 14 boards. Lazaria Spearman went 6-for-10 from the floor en route to 14 points and 10 boards in the double-double.

With the win, UM is 9-0 at home and 10-1 in non-conference play, tying the Canes’ best start through 11 non-conference games in Coach Meier’s tenure.

Miami overwhelmed Alabama State in every speciality stat category, including outscoring the Hornets by 38 in the paint and 34 in bench points.

“We showed shades of our 2010-11 team after we got our act together during the long runs today,” head coach Katie Meier said. “Ally Stedman contributed with intangibles from her assists and phenomenal defense, and credit to our forwards for their play. It’s now time to focus on Sunday against Louisville.”

FINAL | Miami 81, Alabama State 36

Both teams struggled to find an offensive flow early on as the Hornets held a 5-4 lead through the first media timeout. Miami would have had a one-point advantage through the first media break, but Jaida Patrick’s first-possession jumper was waived off with a shot clock violation. Bama State would hit three three-pointers in the first quarter to take a 14-6 lead at the end of one.

Down 20-13, Miami went on an 8-0 run capped off by a tip-in by Lashae Dwyer, giving the Canes their first lead since early in the first frame. UM finished the half on a 16-2 run thanks to swarming full court pressure, giving Miami a 29-22 lead. Kyla Oldacare paced the scoring with seven points in the first 20 minutes of action.

The lead reached double-digits for the first time in the afternoon when Oldcare connected on both free throws at the 7:09 mark in the third. Miami poured in 20 points in just over six minutes, taking a 49-26 lead with 3:40 to go in the session. Miami held Alabama State to four points in the third quarter, tying the fewest points the Canes have permitted in a frame this season. 

Already with a comfortable lead, Miami posted its third-straight quarter with 20-plus points to pull away with a 45-point victory. All 10 active Canes got into the scoring column, with Spearman reaching a double-double in the final session.

NOTES

• Second-ever meeting between Miami and Alabama State
• UM tied for the best start through 11 non-conference games to start the season under head coach Katie Meier
• Miami improves to 9-0 at home
• Spearman tallied the Canes’ first double-double of the season
• Four Miami players scored in double figures
• UM’s best scoring run of the game was 21-0 clip
• The Canes outrebounded Alabama State by 33, holding the Hornets to just 14 boards
• UM forced Alabama State into 25 turnovers
• 36 points is a season low by a Miami foe

UP NEXT
Miami opens Atlantic Coast Conference competition by hosting Louisville Sunday, Dec. 31 at 4 p.m.