Miami women’s basketball loses to Georgia Tech, ranked 20th, without making a full comeback.
In a hard-fought battle against No. 20-ranked Georgia Tech, the Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball team fell short, losing 71-63. Despite a valiant attempt to mount a comeback in the second half, the Hurricanes were unable to close the gap fully, and their rally fell just short. The loss to Georgia Tech, which came on the road in Atlanta, marked another tough blow for Miami as they struggled to find consistent success in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Stakes for Miami and Georgia Tech
For both teams, this game was crucial in terms of conference positioning. Georgia Tech entered the matchup ranked No. 20 in the country, coming off a strong season under head coach Nell Fortner. With a solid blend of defensive prowess and offensive balance, the Yellow Jackets were looking to keep their momentum going and maintain a top position in the ACC standings. Meanwhile, the Miami Hurricanes had been struggling with inconsistency, sitting on a string of disappointing losses that had hindered their hopes for postseason play. A win against a ranked opponent like Georgia Tech would have been a much-needed confidence booster and a statement that Miami could still contend in the conference.
Despite their struggles, Miami had the talent to compete with the best of the ACC. Players like senior forward Destiny Harden and guard Jasmyne Roberts had been key contributors throughout the season, and the Hurricanes had the potential to make a deep run if they could get back on track. For Georgia Tech, a victory would further solidify their status as one of the conference’s premier teams and keep them in the hunt for an ACC title.
As the game unfolded, Georgia Tech’s well-coached squad and offensive efficiency would prove to be too much for Miami, despite a spirited effort from the Hurricanes.
A Slow Start for Miami
The game began with Georgia Tech establishing their rhythm right away. The Yellow Jackets, known for their defensive discipline and pace, set the tone early, suffocating Miami’s offense. The Hurricanes struggled to get open looks against Georgia Tech’s defense, which applied constant pressure both on the ball and in the paint. Miami’s offense was stagnant in the early minutes, with a series of missed shots, turnovers, and forced attempts that didn’t fall.
Georgia Tech, on the other hand, was able to execute their offense smoothly, using their size and versatility to break down Miami’s defense. Lorela Cubaj, the Yellow Jackets’ standout forward, dominated the paint early, scoring several baskets in the post and controlling the glass. Cubaj’s presence inside opened up opportunities for Georgia Tech’s perimeter shooters, and the Yellow Jackets knocked down a few key three-pointers to extend their lead.
The first quarter ended with Georgia Tech holding a 22-12 advantage, and the Hurricanes were struggling to find any rhythm. Miami’s shooting woes were evident as they made just 30% of their field goals in the first 10 minutes, and their inability to hit shots compounded their struggles defensively. Georgia Tech’s defense was stifling, and the Hurricanes’ offense seemed out of sync from the start.
Georgia Tech’s Efficient Offense
As the second quarter progressed, Georgia Tech extended their lead even further. The Yellow Jackets were patient on offense, running through their sets and making the extra pass to find the best shot. The ball movement and off-the-ball screens allowed players like Aaliyah Whiteside and Francesca Belibi to get open looks, and they capitalized on those opportunities. Miami’s defense, which had been shaky throughout the first half, had no answers for Georgia Tech’s fluid offense.
The Yellow Jackets’ defense also continued to be a problem for Miami. The Hurricanes had little success breaking down Georgia Tech’s man-to-man defense, and they were forced into difficult, contested shots. With each miss, the frustration for Miami grew. The Hurricanes’ shooting percentage remained low, and they were unable to get into a rhythm offensively. Georgia Tech took advantage of every opportunity, pushing their lead to 40-25 at halftime.
Miami’s head coach, Katie Meier, could be seen discussing strategies with her team during the halftime break, urging them to remain composed and find ways to adjust to Georgia Tech’s defense. She emphasized the importance of execution on both ends of the floor and asked her players to trust their fundamentals.
The Fightback: Miami’s Second-Half Push
Coming out of the locker room, Miami showed a different level of energy. The Hurricanes came out in the third quarter with a renewed sense of urgency and determination. The team began to push the pace, attempting to create fast-break opportunities and generate some quick points. Jasmyne Roberts, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, started to find her stride, scoring on a few driving layups and getting to the free-throw line. Her ability to get into the paint and draw fouls was critical in cutting into Georgia Tech’s lead.
Destiny Harden also began to heat up, hitting a couple of mid-range jumpers and grabbing crucial rebounds. Miami’s defense improved in the second half, with the team getting more aggressive in closing out on Georgia Tech’s shooters. The Hurricanes forced a few turnovers, which they converted into easy points. As the third quarter wore on, Miami managed to cut the deficit to 10 points, 52-42, heading into the final period.
The Hurricanes had found a bit of a rhythm, but they knew they would need to be nearly flawless down the stretch if they were going to complete the comeback. The momentum was shifting, and the Miami bench was fully engaged, encouraging the players to keep pushing.
Down the Stretch: Miami’s Struggle to Close the Gap
As the fourth quarter began, Miami continued their fightback. They were able to cut Georgia Tech’s lead to 5 points, 60-55, after a big three-pointer from guard Haley Cavinder and a couple of key baskets from Harden. The crowd at McCamish Pavilion grew more tense, as the Hurricanes were within striking distance and seemed poised to make a final push.
However, Georgia Tech showed why they are one of the top teams in the ACC. Despite Miami’s efforts, the Yellow Jackets never let the game slip away. Cubaj continued to be a dominant force in the paint, while Whiteside hit a clutch three-pointer to give Georgia Tech some breathing room. Every time Miami seemed to inch closer, Georgia Tech would respond with a timely basket or a crucial defensive stop.
With just under a minute remaining, Miami trailed by 4 points, 67-63, and had a chance to make it a one-possession game. However, an ill-timed turnover, coupled with a key offensive rebound by Georgia Tech, sealed the victory for the Yellow Jackets. The Hurricanes had one final opportunity to score, but a missed three-pointer and another rebound by Cubaj ensured that the game ended with Georgia Tech on top, 71-63.
Key Performances for Miami
Despite the loss, there were several bright spots for Miami. Jasmyne Roberts, who struggled in the first half, finished the game with 16 points and 4 rebounds. Her second-half performance was a key reason why Miami was able to mount a comeback attempt. Roberts has shown this season that she can take over games when needed, and her leadership on the floor was evident, even in the loss.
Destiny Harden also played a pivotal role for the Hurricanes, contributing 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Harden’s all-around game was a critical factor in Miami’s fight back, and her ability to score in a variety of ways helped keep the Hurricanes within striking distance. Freshman guard Haley Cavinder, known for her sharpshooting, finished with 10 points, including that timely three-pointer in the fourth quarter that gave Miami a glimmer of hope.
However, Miami’s overall offensive struggles were too much to overcome. Despite the strong efforts from Roberts, Harden, and others, the Hurricanes were unable to execute consistently for a full 40 minutes. Their shooting percentage remained low (just 38% for the game), and they were unable to generate enough second-chance points, as Georgia Tech controlled the boards throughout.
Georgia Tech’s Poise and Efficiency
Georgia Tech’s victory was built on a balanced offensive attack and staunch defense. Lorela Cubaj was once again a force for the Yellow Jackets, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Her ability to control the paint, both offensively and defensively, was a huge factor in limiting Miami’s scoring opportunities. Aaliyah Whiteside also played a pivotal role, contributing 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Whiteside’s clutch shooting, particularly in the second half, helped Georgia Tech maintain their lead when Miami began to make a push.
Francesca Belibi’s energy off the bench was another critical element of Georgia Tech’s win. The freshman forward scored 12 points and provided a spark whenever Miami threatened to close the gap. Overall, Georgia Tech’s ability to execute offensively and play disciplined defense allowed them to hold off Miami’s second-half push.
What This Means for Miami
While the loss was frustrating for Miami, it wasn’t all bad news. The Hurricanes showed resilience in the second half and proved that they can compete with top teams in the ACC. The fight they showed to trim a large deficit and make it a game down the stretch is something to build on moving forward. However, the key for Miami will be to execute more consistently for a full 40 minutes. Too many missed shots, turnovers, and defensive lapses in the first half ultimately cost them the game.
Looking ahead, the Hurricanes will need to regroup and focus on improving their offensive efficiency. With a tough stretch of games ahead in the ACC, they cannot afford to fall behind early against strong opponents. The team’s young players, including Cavinder and others, will need to step up in a bigger way as the season progresses.
For Georgia Tech, the win solidified their position among the top teams in the conference and further cemented their NCAA Tournament credentials. With players like
