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Virginia Drops Third Straight, 66-60, to Miami
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Feb. 10, 2005
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Virginia women’s basketball team dropped its third straight ACC game with a 66-60 decision to newcomer Miami on Thursday night at University Hall.
UVa fell to 16-8 overall and 5-5 in ACC play, while the Hurricanes improved to 12-11 overall and 4-6 in the league.
“To me, (this loss) is devastating,” said head coach Debbie Ryan. “I was really, really confident. It was not what I expected at all. I guess I was wrong. I was just shocked by the way we played.”
In the first half, UVa led early by three, 6-3, but then Miami went on a 16-5 run to go ahead by 10 points, 27-17. The Hurricanes held a five-point lead at the break, 27-22.
In the second half, Virginia came within two, 31-29, before Miami rebuilt its lead to nine, 43-34. The Cavaliers made another run to come within two, 47-45 on a breakaway by freshman Denesha Kenion (Oxon, Md.). The Hoos finished its 12-4 run with a three-pointer by freshman Takisha Granberry (Charlotte, N.C.) as UVa reclaimed the lead, 52-51 with 3:57 on the clock. Miami finished the game with a 13-7 run for the win.
“We came into the game knowing that VIrginia has an outstanding team,” Miami head coach Ferne Labati said. “They are very difficult to defend.”
“We were just trying to pound the ball inside,” Ryan said.
Senior Brandi Teamer (Joliet, Ill.) was the only Cavalier in double-digit scoring with 23 points and 12 rebounds for her third double-double of the season (23rd of her career). Freshmen Sharnee Zoll (Marlboro, N.J.) and Granberry followed with nine points each, while Kenion came off the bench for a career-high eight points.
“Denesha gave us a lot of energy,” Ryan said. “She did a great job all around. She’s a quick player.”
“Takisha hit some huge shots in the second half,” Ryan said. “She penetrated and attached.”
“Our team needed us,” Granberry added.
“I just wanted to win,” Kenion said.
Three Hurricanes netted double figures, led by Tamara James’ 31 points. Yalonda McCormick had a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards.
Overall, Miami out-rebounded Virginia, 40-35.
Virginia travels to Virginia Tech on Sunday, Feb. 13 for a 2 p.m. contest.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
1 2 - FinalMiami (12-11, 4-6) 27 39 - 66Virginia (16-8, 5-5 ACC) 22 38 - 60