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DULUTH, Ga. — In a game that felt like pure March Madness from the opening tip, No. 12 Miami outlasted No. 13 Stanford 83-76 in overtime Wednesday morning at Gas South Arena in the Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Championship.
The Hurricanes (Miami) weathered a furious fourth-quarter rally from the Cardinal before sealing the victory at the free-throw line in overtime, advancing to face fifth-seeded Notre Dame in the second round.
It was a contest defined by momentum swings, star performances and the kind of urgency that only tournament basketball can deliver.
A Tournament Atmosphere Charged with Intensity
The morning began crisp outside Gas South Arena, but inside the building the temperature rose quickly. Two ranked programs separated by a single ranking spot delivered on the promise of a heavyweight matchup.
The game featured 11 lead changes and multiple runs, each team trading control possession by possession. Stanford carried a narrow lead into halftime, but the Hurricanes responded with authority in the third quarter.
Miami outscored Stanford 28-13 in the third to take a 65-52 advantage entering the final period, powered by dominance in the paint and defensive pressure that forced turnovers.
Stanford’s Rally Forces Overtime
Just when it appeared Miami had seized control, Stanford mounted a late charge.
The Cardinal erased a 13-point deficit in the closing minutes of regulation, closing on an 11-0 run. Courtney Ogden capped the surge with a driving layup to tie the game at 70-70 with 18.8 seconds remaining, sending the contest into overtime.
Stanford coach Kate Paye credited a defensive adjustment for igniting the comeback.
“We were really struggling to guard them,” Paye said postgame. “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 added, “It was very challenging guarding No. 0. She is a real force in there.”
Overtime Belongs to Miami
The extra period belonged to the Hurricanes.
Amarac Kimpson opened overtime with a 3-pointer, immediately shifting momentum back to Miami. The Hurricanes then went 8-of-10 from the free-throw line in the final minutes to close the door.
Miami dominated the paint 40-28 and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, an edge that proved decisive after 45 minutes of play.
Standout Performers
Miami Hurricanes
Ra Shaya Kyle delivered a commanding performance, finishing with 25 points and 11 rebounds on 10-of-12 shooting (83%). The sixth-year forward recorded her 20th double-double of the season, consistently producing despite frequent double teams.
Her efficiency inside forced Stanford to adjust defensively throughout the game.
Gal Raviv added 20 points and six assists, orchestrating the offense while attacking downhill. Though she finished 2-of-10 from 3-point range, her playmaking kept Miami’s offense balanced.
Amarac Kimpson scored 20 points, including the pivotal overtime 3-pointer that reestablished control.
Stanford Cardinal
Ogden led Stanford with 22 points, five rebounds and six assists, anchoring the late rally. Paye called her an “all-ACC player” and praised her poise in a homecoming performance.
“She’s put our team on her back on many an occasion, including tonight hitting huge baskets,” Paye said.
Lara Somfai contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, while Nunu Agara added 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Stanford finished 12-of-27 from beyond the arc, a key factor in keeping the game within reach.
Team Identity and Takeaways
For Miami, the victory underscored growth and resilience. A young roster that has fought for national respect all season showed composure when the moment demanded it.
For Stanford, the comeback effort reflected a season-long theme of perseverance.
“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.”
Stanford’s press and zone defense disrupted Miami late, but turnovers in the third quarter and rebounding disparities ultimately proved costly.
“They beat us on the board,” Paye said. “We turned the ball over too much in the second half and I think that contributed to their third quarter run.”
Tournament Implications
With the win, Miami advances to face Notre Dame in the second round of the ACC Tournament. The Hurricanes continue to build a postseason résumé anchored by physical interior play and balanced scoring.
Stanford, meanwhile, exits the tournament after demonstrating the competitive edge that has defined its schedule, including wins over Oregon, Washington and North Carolina earlier this season.
“We feel, we know, we can beat any team in the country,” Paye said. “Unfortunately it just didn’t come together today.”
Final Thoughts
March rarely disappoints, and Wednesday’s opener delivered a reminder of why tournament basketball commands attention.
Miami showed it can finish.
Stanford proved it will not fold.
And for 45 minutes inside Gas South Arena, two elite programs reminded the ACC — and the country — that rankings mean little once the ball is tipped.
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