After three straight upsets to reach their first Elite Eight in program history the amazing run came to an end for the Miami basketball team in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Miami was stout defensively versus LSU but anemic offensively in a 53-42 loss. The Hurricanes shot 31.6 percent and were 0-15 on three-point attempts.
The Miami basketball team held LSU to 30.6 percent from the floor and 1-11 on three-point attempts. Jasmyne Roberts was the only consistent scorer for Miami versus LSU. Roberts scored 16 of her game-high 22 points in the first half. Miami trailed 10-8 at the end of the first quarter and 26-20 at halftime.
LSU extended the lead to 38-27 at the end of three quarters. No one other than Roberts finished in double figures for Miami. Destiny Harden finished with three points on 0-9 from the floor, 0-7 threes and 3-4 from the free throw line in her last game for the Hurricanes. Harden and Roberts led Miami with seven rebounds.
Miami did a great job on LSU All-American Angel Reese who was held to 13 points on 3-15 from the floor and 7-10 from the line. Reese added 18 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Reese was the third straight All-American Miami played in the NCAA Tournament making their run that much more impressive.
Miami held Maddie Siegrist of Villanova who led the nation in scoring to 9-29 from the floor in the Hurricanes Sweet 16 game on Friday. The Hurricanes advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1992, the second time in program history and the first in 18 years under Katie Meier. LSU outrebounded Miami 49-36.
Miami returns a good corps for next season and several players with decisions to make regarding using their covid year. Harden who has been the heart and soul of the Miami women’s basketball team, their team leader is the only guaranteed loss. Haley and Hanna Cavinder and Lola Pendande have decisions to make.
The Cavinders and Pendande are all seniors who just finished their fourth year in college. Other than them Miami is a young team with no juniors on the roster. Miami has no 2023 signees according to ESPN. Miami sophomore Lashae Dwyer suffered an ankle injury late in the game and was helped off the floor.