Wake Forest University
Miami
Demon Deacons Fall To No. 12 Miami 74-46
2/21/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 21, 2011
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CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Four Hurricanes scored in double-figures at No. 12 Miami secured a 74-46 victory Monday night over Wake Forest at the BankUnited Center.
The loss snaps a four-game win streak for the Deacons (12-16, 3-9 ACC) against Miami who stays tied atop the ACC standings at 24-3 overall and 10-2 in the conference.
Shenise Johnson was 3-of-5 from beyond the arc and finished with a game-high 19 points to lead Miami. Riquna Williams also made three three-pointers to finish with 16 points, while Morgan Stroman added 11 and Stefanie Yderstrom chipped-in with 10. Stroman finished with a double-double on the night as she grabbed 11 boards.
For the Deacs, freshman Chelsea Douglas led the way once again with 12 points. She was 5-of-12 from the floor and 2-of-4 from long range. Sophomore Sandra Garcia finished with seven points and tied her season-high with 11 rebounds. Fellow sophomore Patrice Johnson came off the bench to score six points and grab four rebounds.
Miami came into the game leading the nation in turnover margin and showed why in the first half. The `Canes forced 11 Wake Forest turnovers en route to building an 18-point halftime lead. It wasn't a particularly good shooting night for either team as Miami finished the game 23-of-63 (37 percent) from the floor and 9-of-26 (34 percent) from beyond the arc. Wake was just 15-of-69 (21 percent) from the floor and 6-of-19 (41 percent) from three. The battle on the boards went to Miami 50-48 and the `Canes led 22-12 in points in the paint.
Thomas opened the game with a three-pointer from the top of the key but Miami answered by making three of its first four three-point attempts and raced out to an early 13-5 lead. The Hurricanes kept the pressure on and forced seven Wake Forest turnovers in the first 11 and a half minutes and would take a 24-11 lead.
The margin remained around 12 until a three-pointer by Stephanie Gardner at the 2:49 mark sparked a 9-0 Hurricane. That run, which was capped by Johnson's second three-pointer of the half, gave the `Canes its largest lead at 39-18. A couple of possessions later Douglas connected on her second three-ball of the half for the Deacs to send the teams into the locker room with the score 39-21 in favor of the hosts.
Johnson led all scorers at the break with 14 while Douglas topped Wake Forest with eight. UM was 12-of-13 from the free throw line and 5-of-12 from long range in the opening 20 minutes.
Wake came out of the break the more aggressive team and forced six early turnovers but were unable to capitalize. Jaymee Carnes knocked-down a three-pointer from the corner and Douglas had a coast-to-coast lay-in but that cut the deficit to just 43-29 with 15:14 to play.
The teams then traded points for the next seven minutes until a lay-in by Stroman and a three-pointer by Riquna Williams on back-to-back possessions put the `Canes in front 56-37 with 8:06 left. The run continued as Miami pushed the lead out to 30 at 70-40 thanks to a 14-2 run. UM would take its biggest lead of the game at 74-43 and would go on to a 74-46 victory.
The Deacons will play their final road game on Thursday as they travel to Clemson. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Little John Arena. After that game, Wake finishes the regular season at home against NC State on Sunday, Feb. 27.
