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| J. Thomas(3) sizes up Samantha Logic(Photo Credit: HurricaneSports.com) |
Canes Rising Contributor
It was a fun ride while it lasted, but it came to a frustrating end in Iowa City Sunday afternoon. The third seeded Iowa Hawkeyes rode an outstanding second half performance to defeat Miami 88-70. While Iowa's numerous weapons ultimately overwhelmed the 'Canes, this game was close until midway through the second half. Miami may be out of the NCAA Tournament, but this team should be proud of what they accomplished this season, and ready to advance further next season.
Quick Shots
Motley Crew--Adrienne Motley started this game slowly, scoring a measly four points in the first half. The second half was a different story as the sophomore guard poured it on, scoring fourteen in the half. She did run into foul trouble in the second half, which forced her to the bench. Without Motley, the 'Canes struggled, and Iowa went on a run which put the game out of reach. Money Mot will return for her junior season this fall, look for her to be in the running for a lot of awards.
Lack of Logic--No, this isn't referring to the trolls who have taken residence in the 'Canes Rising comment section, this is a reference to Iowa's Samantha Logic. Logic is one of the best point guards in the county, but she struggled all afternoon, committing seven turnovers and scoring twelve points on 4/11 shooting. Logic couldn't get away from Michelle Woods, Miami's defensive stopper. What Woods did to Washington's Kelsey Plum was good, this was just as impressive.
Bethany Doolittle--Bethany's surname doesn't match her production, which is great for the Iowa Hawkeyes. While Samantha Logic was for all intents and purposes out of the game, Doolittle stepped up and delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a game high 22 points and grabbing eleven rebounds. Bethany also was a stopper on the defensive end, racking up three blocks. Miami's bigs got into foul trouble attempting to defend the senior center, and she feasted at the line as a result. If you were to tell Katie Meier before the game that Doolittle would be Iowa's best player, she would have assumed that the 'Canes would be in position to win coming down the stretch. That wasn't the case, as Doolittle dominated. Her touch around the basket, and her midrange game were excellent.
Jessica Thomas--Adrienne Motley couldn't carry the 'Canes alone, and J.T. tried to provide some assistance. The young guard scored 20 points, but it was on 8/21 shooting. Thomas started the game hot, scoring in bunches in the first half. Her aggressive play gave Miami a much needed boost, and kept the 'Canes within striking distance early. Thomas has emerged as a player to be reckoned with, and fans should look forward to her continued development.
Candy Stripers--The free throw line was sweet for Iowa as the Hawkeyes were able to march to the line at will, shooting 33 free throws, making 23. The 'Canes weren't able to get to the line, only taking eleven the entire game. The Hawkeyes struggled offensively in the first half, it was their free throw shooting that kept them in the game. Miami could have gotten to the line more often had the 'Canes not settled for midrange jumpers. The first half injury to Suriya McGuire really hurt the 'Canes, as McGuire is one of the best slashers on the team. While McGuire was able to come back from her ankle injury, she wasn't the same, rarely showing the explosiveness that makes her dangerous around the rim.
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