Miami Holds Its Nerve, Defeats Stanford 83-76 in Overtime Classi
DULUTH, Ga. — If this was a preview of March, women’s college basketball is in elite hands.
No. 12 Miami survived a late Stanford surge and closed strong in overtime to defeat No. 13 Stanford 83-76 on Wednesday at Gas South Arena in the ACC Women’s Basketball Championship.
The matchup had everything — paint dominance, perimeter shooting, defensive adjustments and a final-minute rally that forced overtime before the Hurricanes shut the door.
This wasn’t just a game. It was a statement.
From the Opening Tip: Competitive and Physical
Ranked back-to-back nationally, the Hurricanes and Cardinal entered the tournament separated by just one spot — and the intensity reflected it.
Stanford carried a slight edge into halftime, controlling stretches with perimeter shooting and defensive adjustments. But Miami responded in the third quarter with force, outscoring Stanford 28-13 to flip the momentum and take a 65-52 lead.
Miami’s physical presence inside changed the tone of the game. The Hurricanes finished with a 40-28 advantage in points in the paint — a difference that mattered over 45 minutes.
Stanford Refuses to Fold
Just when Miami seemed to be in control, Stanford made its move.
Switching to a zone defense disrupted Miami’s rhythm and fueled a comeback. An 11-0 run erased a 13-point deficit late in regulation. Courtney Ogden’s layup with 18.8 seconds left tied the game at 70-70 and sent it to overtime.
Stanford head coach Kate Paye credited her team’s defensive adjustment.
“We were really struggling to guard them,” Paye said. “So we went to the zone. I thought our team made an excellent adjustment, forced a lot of turnovers, and that got us back into the game.”
She also acknowledged the challenge of containing Miami’s interior presence: “It was very challenging guarding No. 0. She is a real force in there.”
Overtime: Miami Closes the Deal
Momentum can shift quickly in tournament play — and Miami made sure it shifted back.
Amarac Kimpson opened overtime with a 3-pointer that steadied the Hurricanes. From there, Miami executed calmly, knocking down 8-of-10 free throws to secure the victory.
The difference wasn’t just shot-making — it was composure.
The Leaders Who Set the Tone
Miami
Ra Shaya Kyle delivered a performance that defined leadership. The sixth-year forward finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds on 10-of-12 shooting, recording her 20th double-double of the season. Despite consistent double teams, she stayed efficient and in control.
Gal Raviv added 20 points and six assists, dictating pace and keeping the offense balanced. Though she shot 2-of-10 from 3-point range, her playmaking kept Miami dangerous.
Amarac Kimpson matched 20 points and delivered the most timely shot of the game in overtime.
Stanford
Ogden led Stanford with 22 points, five rebounds and six assists, fueling the late rally. Paye described her as an all-ACC performer who has carried the team in big moments.
Lara Somfai (12 points, seven rebounds) and Nunu Agara (11 points, eight rebounds) added key contributions as Stanford finished 12-of-27 from beyond the arc.
Identity on Display
For Miami, this win reflects growth. A young team that has fought all season for respect showed it can handle adversity and close under pressure.
For Stanford, the effort reinforced resilience.
“I think our team has had a next-man-up mentality and also a next-day mentality,” Ogden said. “After a tough loss or a tough day everybody comes back ready to work.”
That mindset nearly delivered a comeback victory.
What It Means
Miami advances to face Notre Dame in the second round of the ACC Tournament, carrying momentum and confidence.
Stanford exits with proof that it can compete with anyone. “We feel, we know, we can beat any team in the country,” Paye said. “Unfortunately it just didn’t come together today.”
Final Word
Tournament basketball exposes weaknesses — but it also highlights leadership.
Miami proved it can finish games when it matters most.
Stanford proved it will fight until the final possession.
And in a building filled with postseason urgency, both programs reminded the ACC why women’s basketball continues to rise in visibility, talent and competitive fire.
