Miami Canes secure 27-point win over FAU in season opener

The Miami Hurricanes returned to the Watsco Center floor on Monday evening, winning their season opener against Florida Atlantic 75-48. The victory marks a sharp contrast to the venue’s recent history for the program, as this specific arena hosted the team’s final game last season.

Junior Anay Adams led the Canes with 21 points, shooting 80 percent from the field and hitting both of her three-point attempts. She also secured eight rebounds. Sophomore Natalie Wetzel, junior Gal Raviv, and senior Amarachi Kimpson all returned as starters, forming the core of the lineup alongside freshman center Anna Liepina.

Liepina, a transfer from Latvia, replaced graduated star center Ra Shaya Kyle. Kyle had averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game while starting all 37 contests last year. Liepina scored her first collegiate points in the first quarter with a layup that tied the game at 2-2.

The Hurricanes established an early lead through interior play. Raviv and Adams posted consecutive layups to put Miami ahead, a lead the team did not surrender. In the second quarter, the Canes scored 16 of their 19 points in the paint while limiting FAU to just two points inside. This defensive and offensive dominance allowed Miami to enter halftime with a 36-25 advantage.

The team extended its lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Owls 24-11 during that period. Adams hit a three-pointer during an 13-3 run to increase the margin to 22 points. In the final period, Miami held FAU to three field goals, winning the quarter 15-9 to close out the game.

The Canes finished shooting 52 percent from the field, converting 30 of 58 attempts. FAU shot 31 percent, making 17 of 54 shots. The Owls missed 20 three-point attempts, while Miami missed only six. Transfer Gianna Corbitt led Miami in rebounding with 10 boards in her debut.

The Hurricanes will play their next home game on Thursday, November 5, at 7 p.m. against Jacksonville.