"Should've stayed at TCU, her and HVL would’ve been amazing": College hoops fans react to Haley Cavinder's crucial 3-pointer

College basketball fans flooded social media with praise for star guard Haley Cavinder after her clutch 3-pointer on Sunday. The play secured an 83-74 overtime victory for the Miami Hurricanes against the Quinnipiac Bobcats (6-1) in the Miami Thanksgiving Tournament championship game.

Cavinder, back with the Hurricanes this season after a year away from basketball, delivered a game-high 30 points. Her critical 3-pointer with 12 seconds left in regulation forced the contest into overtime. The 5-foot-6 senior shot 11-for-21 from the field, 3-for-9 from beyond the arc and 5-for-6 from the free throw line. For her stellar performance throughout the tournament, Cavinder was named MVP.

The win preserved Miami's perfect record and showcased Cavinder’s return to the court in spectacular fashion. The Hurricanes have now won seven straight games to open the season under new coach Tricia Cullop, marking a sensational start to her tenure.

Fans took to social media to celebrate Cavinder's heroics.

"She should of stayed at tcu her and hvl would of been amazing," commented @pattastic10 on Instagram.

@pattastic10 commented on Haley Cavinder's performance | Source @espnw

"SHE BALLIN THIS SEASON!!! Guess that year off revitalized her," remarked user @zomaximus.

"Ion know why yall don't take her seriously 😂," wrote @lorem.gj.

X users echoed similar sentiments.

“Haley Cavinder is the best player in WCBB and it is NOT close @CavinderHaley,” tweeted @CP_Photo2004.

"Contrary to what some ppl think, Haley Cavinder is very good at basketball," noted @EJayArrow.

"Haley Cavinder was my favorite player on the @CanesWBB Elite Eight team, but she has gone up a level to start this season," added @BC_Castaldo.

Quinnipiac staged a comeback in the final quarter, taking a three-point lead with under 30 seconds left. Miami responded by forcing a jump ball, and on the ensuing possession, Cavinder sank a contested 3-pointer to level the score. The Hurricanes then secured a defensive stop on Quinnipiac's final possession, pushing the game into overtime.

Haley Cavinder and Miami Overcome Fourth-Quarter Collapse

The Hurricanes had built a commanding 22-point lead but faltered in the fourth quarter, shooting 2-for-15 while being outscored 22-8. The Bobcats took their first lead with a minute left in regulation and held a three-point edge with just 12 seconds remaining. However, after a quick pep talk from her twin sister Hanna, Haley Cavinder stepped up with a game-saving 3-pointer to force overtime.

In the extra period, Miami dominated, outscoring the Bobcats 16-7 to clinch the victory and the tournament title. Cameron Williams contributed 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting and pulled down a game-high nine rebounds, nearly securing her second consecutive double-double. She was named to the All-Tournament Team alongside Cavinder. Jasmyne Roberts added 14 points, three rebounds and one steal.

For Quinnipiac, Gal Raviv led with 25 points, five rebounds and four assists in 44 minutes. Jackie Grisdale followed with 19 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.

The All-Tournament Team included Haley Cavinder (MVP), Cameron Williams, Gal Raviv (Quinnipiac), Jackie Grisdale (Quinnipiac), Lexi Alexander (Southeastern Louisiana) and Keanna Rembert (Charlotte).

The Hurricanes will return to action on Wednesday, hosting Vanderbilt at 5 p.m. in the SEC/ACC Challenge.