Haley Cavinder scores 31 points, leads UM women to 83-73 road win vs. Florida Gators
Haley Cavinder scored 31 points to lead the University of Miami women’s basketball team to an 83-73 road win against the University of Florida Gators.
The Hurricanes, who improved to 3-0 under first-year coach Tricia Cullop, shot 58.2 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from behind the arc. The Gators dropped to 3-1.
Cavinder also grabbed six rebounds, had five assists and had two steals. Her twin sister, Hanna, scored 12 points and otherwise had identical statistics as her sister with six rebounds, five assists and two steals. The twins combined for 43 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals.
Cullop gave Haley Cavinder the green light to shoot.
“I just kept telling her, `You’re the best shooter on the floor, don’t pass up shots,’’’ Cullop said. “I thought there were even a couple she passed up, and I didn’t want her to pass up any. She’s worked too hard at what she does to pass up anything. She helps us more when she shoots the ball. It opens other people up.”
As for Hanna Cavinder, Cullop added: “She does such a good job, too. Not only did she have a big three against the zone but also did a good job of setting other people up and taking really good care of the basketball. It’s such a blessing to have them back because their IQ and skill level just makes everyone around them better.”
The coach also praised Jasmyne Roberts, who went 5-of-6 for 14 points. The senior pulled down three rebounds and had two steals.
Despite having a height disadvantage against the Gators’ 6-6 center Ra Shaya Kyle, the Hurricanes outscored UF 42-34 in the paint.
“Our guards did a really good job when they are able to get around the ball screens of probing the paint,” Cullop said. “We got a lot of pullups, drives to the basket, were able to finish. That goes to the IQ and skill level of our kids. They see the floor really well. Not only the Cavinders. We’ve got a lot of really smart kids and that makes it a lot easier on me.”
Cullop credited associate head coach Fitzroy Anthony for his “tremendous” scouting report and defensive game plan.
The Canes led by 15 at halftime. Florida outscored Miami 27-17 to trim the deficit down to five points entering the final period. But UM shot 60 percent from the field and 80 percent from behind the arc in the final period to seal the win. The Hurricanes’ next game is at home Tuesday at 7 p.m. against cross-town rival FIU.
This story was originally published November 16, 2024 at 4:48 PM.