Canes’ Women’s Hoops Loses Third Straight Ranked Matchup, Loses to No.14 Indiana 58-45

Miami’s offense continued to struggle against the No.14 Indiana Hoosiers (7-1) in a 58-45 loss Wednesday night. The loss was the Hurricanes third straight loss in ranked matchup, and leaves the ‘Canes wondering how to beat top-tier opponents.

The Hurricanes offense was again shut down. Miami shot a woeful 21.7% from the floor, and just 22.2% from beyond the arc. The Hurricanes shooting was so cold that despite beating the Hoosiers in the rebound battle 46-39 the ‘Canes sill lost by 13 points.

Miami did not just struggle to shoot, they also struggled to spread the ball around the court. The ‘Canes gave away the ball 18 times during the game, and had just four assists as an entire team. Playing through the middle of the floor and spreading the court will be key for Miami this season, but that part of the offense hasn’t seemed to click yet in 2019.

From an individual standpoint Miami was lead by junior guard Endia Banks, who had 13 points to go along with five rebounds. Indiana, much like Oregon State, was led in scoring by two talented guards, Jaelynn Penn and Ali Patberg, who had 17 and 12 points respectively. The trend of strong guard play from premier opponents becoming unstoppable for the ‘Canes defensively has become concerning, and Miami must be better on the perimeter during conference play.

The Hurricanes are still trying to install new players into key roles left by departures from last season’s team, and the growing pains for Miami are going to continue. The ‘Canes will improve as the season goes on, but with ACC play looming at the end of the month the opponents will only get tougher from here on out.

Miami’s offense still seems to be struggling to identify how to play with each other and which players excel in specific roles. As a result, the offense has struggled mightily against the stronger opponents the ‘Canes have faced so far this season. The Hurricanes strength is in their best player, Beatrice Mompremier, and the rest of the frontcourt. If the ‘Canes can play through the interior and use that to spread the court the offense should improve as time goes on.

Miami will next take the court December 17 after the break for final exams. The ‘Canes will take on the Binghamton Bearcats at 7:00 P.M. Eastern at the Watsco Center. That game will be televised on ACC Network Extra.