Miami Women’s Basketball Falls Short in Fourth Quarter Rally against Clemson

The Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball (16-8, 6-7 ACC) staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback attempt against No. 19/20 Syracuse but ultimately succumbed to a 71-60 defeat. The game was marked by intense momentum swings and resilient play from both sides, showcasing the competitive spirit of ACC basketball.

From the outset, it was evident that both teams were determined to establish dominance. The first quarter witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with Syracuse seizing a 22-16 lead after the initial ten minutes. Despite the early deficit, Miami displayed resilience, with Jaida Patrick leading the charge with five points for the Hurricanes.

As the game progressed, Miami found themselves trailing by double digits, but they refused to back down. Shayeann Day-Wilson’s clutch three-pointer injected hope into the Hurricanes’ comeback aspirations, narrowing the deficit to 11 points with just over six minutes remaining. A subsequent 9-2 run fueled by tenacious defense brought Miami within striking distance, trailing 55-45 and forcing Syracuse to call a timeout.

Miami’s full-court pressure yielded dividends, igniting a late surge highlighted by Ja’Leah Williams’ steal and quick bucket, reducing the deficit to a mere seven points. With relentless determination, Miami continued to chip away, trimming the margin to just five points with under three minutes left on the clock.

However, Syracuse proved resilient, responding with crucial offensive rebounds and timely baskets to stave off Miami’s comeback bid. Despite Miami’s valiant effort, Syracuse’s Georgia Woolley and Dyaisha Fair showcased their prowess in the closing moments, sealing the victory for the Orange.

Reflecting on the game, Miami head coach Katie Meier commended Syracuse for their clutch performance and emphasized the need for improved rebounding and defensive intensity. Despite the disappointment of the loss, Meier expressed pride in her team’s resilience and highlighted several positive aspects of Miami’s performance, including balanced scoring contributions from all eight players and Day-Wilson’s consistent double-digit scoring streak.

The defeat marked only Miami’s second loss at home this season, underscoring the team’s formidable presence on their home court. Looking ahead, Miami will regroup as they prepare to host rival Florida State in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m.

As the dust settles on a hard-fought contest, both teams will undoubtedly draw lessons from their performance as they continue their pursuit of success in the competitive landscape of ACC women’s basketball. With the ACC tournament looming on the horizon, Miami remains focused on refining their execution and striving for excellence as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead.