CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Natalija Marshall led the University of Miami women’s basketball team (2-0) to a 74-71 win over Jacksonville (1-1), scoring a career-high 24 points, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Darrione Rogers added 13 points, and Haley Cavinder chipped in 12, securing Miami’s second consecutive victory to start the season.
Head Coach Tricia Cullop praised the team’s depth, saying, “What’s unique about this team is the way different players step up each game. We have a lot of players who can consistently contribute.”
The Hurricanes showcased strong defense, limiting Jacksonville to 37.3% shooting and forcing 19 turnovers. Miami’s bench made a significant impact, outscoring Jacksonville’s reserves 25-12.
Despite a narrow victory, Miami controlled the game for the majority of the time, leading for 37 minutes and 35 seconds.
Marshall’s standout performance included six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Rogers had a solid game with 13 points, hitting 3-of-8 from three-point range, while Haley Cavinder contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Hanna Cavinder added seven points, five rebounds, and a game-high seven assists.
Miami started strong, leading by five points after the first quarter with impressive shooting stats. However, the team struggled in the second quarter, shooting just 25% from the field and 20% from three but still maintained their lead entering halftime.
Though Miami’s lead shrank to just six points entering the fourth quarter, Jacksonville made a late push to tie the game at 70. A tough layup by Jasmyne Roberts with 1:53 left gave Miami the lead, and the Hurricanes held on for the 74-71 victory with solid defense in the final moments.
Key Stats:
– Marshall’s 24 points, including a career-high three 3-pointers and 13 free throws.
– Miami shot 85.7% from the free-throw line, making 24 of 28 attempts.
– The Hurricanes recorded 10 steals and 16 assists on 22 field goals.
Miami will next face Florida on Friday in Gainesville at 12 p.m.
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