Feb. 13, 2008
Final Stats
OXFORD, Ohio - A season-high nine blocks, which tied for the second most blocks in a game in Miami history, led a stellar defensive performance as Miami University's women's basketball team defeated Ball State, 69-58, in Mid-American Conference action Wednesday evening. Miami (15-9; 7-3 MAC) outscored Ball State (10-13; 6-4 MAC) 21-6 in points off turnovers and hit 10 threes compared to two for the Cardinals.
Both teams struggled from the field early on, but despite its shooting troubles, Miami put together a 17-2 run over the first eight minutes of the game as Ball State went just 1-of-10 from the field. Junior guard Jenna Schone hit 3-of-4 shots during the run, including two treys, while senior guard Amanda Jackson, senior forward Laura Markwood and junior guard Ashley Hawkins all pitched in with three points apiece. Six straight points by Jackson extended Miami's lead to 18 points, 25-7, and the RedHawks continued their strong play as a trey by Markwood at the 9:22 mark of the first half gave Miami its biggest lead of the half, 29-9. Over the next 5:37, Miami hit just one field goal and a free throw and the Cardinals were able to make a 9-2 run to cut their deficit to 14 points, 32-18, with 3:45 to play in the first half. Miami's bench scored five points and Schone dialed in another three to send Miami into the locker room with a 40-23 lead.
Jackson and Schone led the RedHawks with 12 and 11 points, respectively, at the break, while the Cardinals shot just 25.0 percent (7-of-28) from the field and had 11 turnovers. Miami scored 14 points off Ball State turnovers, but the Cardinals could not convert five Miami turnovers into points.
Jackson scored eight of Miami's 10 points to start the half, but the Cardinals converted on transition baskets to close within 14 points, 49-35, with just under 15 minutes to play. A Schone trey capped off a 7-0 run giving Miami a 21-point cushion, 56-40, its largest of the night. The Cardinals were able to close within 13 points on two separate occasions, but Miami responded with big baskets and maintained a 14-point lead, 64-50, with 3:25 remaining. From that point, Miami coasted to a 69-58 win.
Jackson finished with 25 points, her 17th 20-point game of the season, while Schone added 19 points. Markwood collected 12 rebounds, her sixth double figure rebounding game in the past seven contests, while front-court counterpart, junior forward Stephanie Ford, registered 10 rebounds and a career-high four blocks.
Porchia Green led Ball State with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Miami finishes its stint against the MAC West Division when the RedHawks travel to Toledo (10-12; 3-7 MAC) for a 7 p.m. start on Saturday, Feb. 16.
