The Miami Women’s Basketball team knocked archrival Florida State out of the ACC Tournament for the second straight season. The Hurricanes accomplished the feat after losing both regular season games for the second straight year.
The Hurricanes never trailed after opening an 8-0 lead, but had to hold on late to advance to the semifinals for a second straight season. Keyona Hayes and second team All-ACC guard Adrienne Motley led the ‘Canes 12 points each.
Motley went to the locker with an injured hand, but later returned and it doesn’t appear to be anything serious. The lead fluctuated between two and 11 until Florida State made the final run late in the game.
Trailing 54-45 after a Motley layup, the Seminoles went on a 9-2 run to end the game. Emese Hof’s layup with 4:20 left gave Miami a 56-49 lead and would be the last points Miami scored. It would be all they needed to pull the upset over the second seeded Seminoles.
A Leticia Romero three with 1:53 left pulled Florida State within two. The Seminoles had numerous chances to tie or take the lead after a Laura Cornelius shot rimmed out with 58 seconds remaining.
Florida State had three offensive rebounds on the same possession, a pair of which came off wild scrambles. Ivey Slaughter missed a layup, Imani Wright missed a three-point shot and Slaughter was eventually fouled near the top of the key with four seconds remaining.
An 83 percent free throw shooter, Slaughter missed the first free throw and then missed the second intentionally to attempt the get the rebound. Jessica Thomas secured the rebound for Miami. The Seminoles had not committed enough fouls to get Miami to the line. The Hurricanes were able to run out the clock and get the victory.
Miami was able to improve on the things that cost them in the two games against FSU earlier this season. They committed only 14 turnovers after 18 in the first two games, cut the rebounding margin to four from an average of 14.5 and the Seminoles only went to the free throw line seven times after attempting 57 in the first two meetings.
Fighting Gobbler
Free throws played huge role in the final margin. Miami finished 5-7 from the line while the Seminoles were only 2-7.
Next up for Miami is Duke. The 11/13 ranked Blue Devils defeated Miami 83-71 about two weeks ago at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke made 26-32 from the line to Miami’s 17-22, made five of their eight three points attempts to the Hurricanes seven for 28 and shot 52 percent from the floor to Miami’s 34.3 percent. Duke also out rebounded the Hurricanes 39-30.
The Hurricanes did do a good job taking care of the ball with just 12 turnovers to the Blue Devils 21. Miami had 17 more shots than Duke. If they can shoot better and continue to have a significant advantage in turnover margin, Miami will have an excellent chance at a second consecutive upset.
Duke enters the ACC semifinal 24-4 and the third seed in the tournament. Their four losses this season came at Vanderbilt, North Carolina State, Florida State and Notre Dame.
Next: Miami Hurricanes Women’s Hoops Motley and Thomas Named All-ACC
Game Time: Saturday March 4, 2:30 ET
Broadcast/Live Steaming Information
Television: ESPNU
Radio: WVUM 90.5
Streaming: WatchESPN