Jan 31, 2004

Box Score

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) - Cappie Pondexter scored 25 points and Rutgers handed No. 17 Miami its second home loss in four days with a 76-69 win Saturday.

Miami (16-3, 5-3 Big East), which lost 59-50 to Notre Dame Wednesday night, fell behind early and rarely led against Rutgers, who also got 21 points from Chelsea Newton.

Down at the half, Miami cut Rutgers' lead to 70-65 on a 3-pointer by Chanivia Broussard with 2:14 remaining, and appeared to force Shalicia Hurns into a shot clock violation on Rutgers' ensuing possession.

However, no whistle was blown, and Rutgers (12-7, 4-3) took a 71-65 lead on a free throw by Pondexter with 41 seconds left. A three-point play by Shaquana Wilkins cut the lead to 72-69 with 18 seconds remaining, but Pondexter hit all four free throws down the stretch to seal the win for the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers raced out to a 12-6 lead, but Miami put together a 9-0 run keyed by five points from Yalonda McCormick, who scored 16 of her team-high 23 points in the first half. Rutgers finished the half strong, scoring the final four points to take a 35-30 halftime lead.

The Hurricanes opened the second half with a 7-0 run, taking a 37-35 lead on a layup by Tamara James. But Rutgers responded with a 14-2 run to take a 49-39 lead.

Rutgers shot 50.9 percent and held a 37-36 rebounding edge over Miami, which shot just 41.7 percent.