Miami leads Jacksonville 79-63 in home opener

The Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball team defeated the Jacksonville Dolphins 79-63 on Thursday evening at Watsco Center. The victory gave Miami a 2-0 start to the season following a 75-45 win over FAU. Coach Tricia Collup noted the physical nature of the in-state matchup before the tip-off. She expressed pride in her squad’s performance after the final buzzer.

Miami controlled the opening period with an 18-point margin. Guard Amarachi Kimpson led the early charge with eight points, including two three-pointers. The Dolphins’ defense struggled to contain the Hurricanes’ offense throughout the first quarter. UM closed the period with a 22-9 lead. Kimpson emphasized team consistency over individual bursts of scoring. She stated that the goal is to maintain performance from game one to game two.

The second quarter saw the gap widen further despite a slow start marked by fouls on both sides. Gal Raviv connected on a three-pointer following an assist from Natalie Wetzel, extending the lead to 29-12. Freshman forward Jess-Mine Zodia added another three-pointer shortly after. The Canes ended the half with a commanding 36-12 advantage.

Jacksonville found its rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 23 points to Miami’s 16. Dolphins guards Taylor Blunt and J’Niya Weaver provided scoring consistency from the free-throw line. Miami forward Ahnay Adams kept the Hurricanes competitive with drives to the basket. Collup identified six turnovers as an area for improvement, noting it is still early in the season.

Miami reasserted control in the final period. Adams, Kimpson, Raviv, and freshman Anna Liepina combined for a steady scoring run. The Dolphins were unable to close the gap in the closing minutes. Kimpson finished the game with 16 points and four three-pointers. Raviv contributed 17 points and nine assists for the winning effort.

The Hurricanes remain at home for their next contest. They face the Stetson Hatters on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Watsco Center.