Game #22 vs. Miami

This begins a crucial week for the Terps. The next two games should be winable and help further lock up the first round ACC bye. We also need to start getting our players some rest so they aren't tired during the final stretch.

Miami enters the game with a record 14-6 and 4-3 in ACC play. They are playing under a new coach Katie Meier, who graduated from Duke. I have seen them play once and they like to run the ball ala North Carolina. Common opponents include: George Mason (lost), Siena (won), Georgia Tech (won), Boston College (won), Virginia Tech (won).

They average 76.1 ppg, while only allowing 66.9. They get outrebounded, but have 231 steals on the year. They shoot well from the floor at a 45.5% clip and 33.5 from three. They also don't miss many free throws. They turn the ball over at least 19 times per game.

Their one problem is that they are a small team that relies on quickness to beat you. Tamara James leads the ACC in scoring and also her team in rebounding. All this at 5-10. Renee Taylor is second on the team in scoring and she is 5'2. Brittany Denson is their tallest player and she's a freshman averaging 6.1 and 5.9. She has blocked 24 shots this year. The only player in double figures in blocks. Melissa Knight is the third leading scorer at 11.5 ppg and she's 5'11.

Miami Roster | Miami Stats

Keys to the Game

Own the paint and the boards. Last year Crystal had 29 and 22 against them. I expect similar numbers tonight. Harper and Jade also must be forces down low.

Control the tempo of the game. This is a decent preview of what UNC will throw at us in a week so the team can't let Miami streak up and down the floor. Use pressure to slow down Taylor and James.

Control Taylor and James. They are the keys to that team. If you can stop them, then you should win handily. I would like to see Coleman guard James and Newman on Taylor. The height discreptancies should give them fits.

Guard the three-point line. We need to stop letting teams have a field day behind the arc.

Shay and Newman getting back on track. It hasn't been a great couple of weeks for the two markswomen. They needed to cured in a hurry.

Maryland Game Notes | Miami Game Notes