The Miami basketball team led 24-13 after one quarter and maintained a commanding lead throughout the final three quarters to earn a 78-66 win over South Florida in their first win in the Women’s NCAA Tournament since 2019. Miami plays the winner of Howard and South Carolina.
South Carolina is the number one overall seed in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Miami had great balance earning the victory. Five Miami basketball players finished in double figures. Karla Erjavec led Miami with 14 points. South Florida was unable to stop Miami offensively. Miami shot 53.57 percent from the field.
The Hurricanes held South Florida to 40.68 percent from the floor, but the Bulls made nine of 22 three-point shots. South Florida was led by Elena Tsineke with 21 and Elisa Pinzan who scored 19. The depth Miami had was the biggest difference in the game. Ten different players scored for Miami.
Those 10 played at least eight minutes each. Only three Miami players played at least 30 minutes. Four Miami players played 20 or more. South Florida went with primarily a six-player rotation. Miami head coach Katie Meier went to her bench early. Miami continues its hot streak that earned them an NCAA Tournament berth.
WHAT A GAME! STILL DANCING!
— Hurricanes Women’s Basketball (@CanesWBB) March 18, 2022
🌟 Five Canes in double-digits
🌟 53.6 field goal percentage
🌟 36 points in the paint pic.twitter.com/G53KxxqDwz
The Hurricanes have won nine of their last 11 games. That includes wins over Louisville and Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament. The Cardinals are a number one regional seed in the NCAA Tournament. Miami improves to 21-12 with the victory. South Florida ends its season 24-9. Miami only trailed for 27 seconds versus South Florida.
Miami overcame being called for three fouls in the first five minutes against South Florida. The Hurricanes trailed for only 12 seconds. After Elena Tsineke of South Florida split two free throws, Lola Pendande scored the first field goal of the game and gave Miami the lead for good.