Miami Withstands 21-Point Comeback to Take Down Villanova

Miami’s defense smothered Villanova’s ballhandlers, hounding them as soon as they inbounded the ball. Miami’s speed and physicality made up for a height disadvantage and forced rushed shots and turnovers, causing Villanova’s offense to look confused. By the time Villanova seemed to have figured Miami’s defense out in the second half, it appeared to be too late.

But Siegrist, who scored a game-high 31 points, led a furious rally in the third and fourth quarters as Miami tightened up, seemingly fearful of spiraling. Still, the Hurricanes held close even though they blew their lead.

Siegrist, who could leave college early to declare for the W.N.B.A. draft, tearfully said after the game that her future was uncertain.

“I’ve got to talk to my parents and stuff,” Siegrist said. “But I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to be here. Like so many good people, and it’s really about the people, take the basketball part out of it, the memories and people I will cherish forever.”

Miami had faced a much more difficult path to the round of 16 than Villanova, with close games and a win over Indiana, a No. 1 seed, on its home floor.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/sports/ncaabasketball/march-madness-friday.html