The Virginia women's basketball team continued its late season hot-streak last night by beating Miami 83-72 at University Hall. The Cavaliers will now move onto the third round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), where they will face Pittsburgh Friday night in Pennsylvania.
Virginia erased any doubts about its offensive troubles last night, exploding for 83 points. Most notably, Virginia shot 60 percent from the three-point line. Junior guard Brenna McGuire led the Cavaliers with 17 points, 12 of which came from beyond the three-point arc. Virginia shot an astounding 60 percent from the three-point line and poured in nine three pointers.
"I got great open looks," McGuire said. "I just kept shooting and it went in for me. Everyone tells me to keep shooting, and that's what I did."
Virginia coach Debbie Ryan was very pleased with her team's effort, especially considering the team's well-documented offensive problems. Virginia's offensive success in the first half put the game out of reach for the Hurricanes.
"I thought they did a great job in the first half, especially finishing, making shots and driving the score up," Ryan said. "I thought they read things well and really did a nice job finishing the game."
All seven Cavaliers who played scored and only one player did not score in double figures. The offense's efficiency and success prevented Miami from making a comeback. Ryan was pleased with everyone's effort, especially two role players, freshman forward Lyndra Littles and sophomore guard Denesha Kenion.
"I thought Lyndra Littles played a nice floor game tonight," Ryan said. "She came in and did a nice job. She gave us 10 points and she gave us some very solid play in the post. And recently, [Kenion] has really stepped up her game and matured as a player. She made some big free throws and was a pressure player for us tonight."
Virginia dominated Miami in the first half. The Cavaliers finished the half with 45 points and limited the Hurricanes to only 30. Virginia's halftime lead would prove to be vital down the stretch, as Miami's efficient offense got on track in the second half.
"I thought defensively we did a really good job on a team that averages 83 points per game," Ryan said. "I was very pleased with our execution at both ends of the court."
One of Virginia's keys to victory was turnovers. The Cavaliers forced 23 turnovers and scored 23 points off those turnovers.
"I thought we did a nice job of forcing turnovers and that was a key to winning the game," Ryan said. "They got within five and we had to force a few turnovers in order to put them away."
However, Virginia's defense was flawed in one critical area, Tamara James of Miami. James, a senior forward, dropped 31 points on the Cavaliers and nearly willed Miami back to victory.
"She is so stubborn -- in a way that is the highest compliment I can give a player," Miami coach Katie Meier said. "She wasn't going to let anyone take this game from her because she wanted it that much."
Virginia will travel to Pittsburgh on Friday to face the Panthers in the third round of the WNIT. Last night may not have been the "last ball in U-Hall."
"If we can be fortunate enough to win there, we'll have a chance to play at home again," Ryan said.
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