Jan. 17, 2009
Final Stats
BUFFALO, N.Y. - After scoring 46 points in the first half, Miami was only able to manage 22 points in the second, but strong defense allowed the RedHawks to hold on for a 68-67 win. Maggie Boyer hit two free-throws with 12 seconds remaining to seal the win for Miami. The RedHawks improve to 11-6 overall and 3-1 in the Mid-American Conference. Buffalo is 4-13 and 0-4.
Buffalo started out hitting its shots as they raced to a 10-2 lead on the RedHawks. Courtney Reed quickly got Miami back into the game, scoring 10 early points as the RedHawks went up 21-16 with 10:40 remaining in the first half. Boyer took over the scoring from there, hitting three 3-point baskets, which was part of a 14-4 run that put Miami up 15 at 35-20. The teams traded buckets the remainder of the half until Lillian Pitts hit her fourth layup of the half to send the RedHawks into the break up 46-33. Pitts set career highs in the half with nine points and eight rebounds.
Miami shot 53 percent (17-for-32) during the first half, hitting 6-for-9 from behind the arc. The 46 points scored was the most scored by the RedHawks during any half this season.
A slow start by Miami to begin the second half allowed Buffalo to pull within eight at 46-38. That run was broken up by a steal and layup for senior guard Ashley Hawkins. Buffalo's Kourtney Brown got a hot hand as the Bulls went on a 20-7 run that cut the lead to three with 11:56 remaining at 58-55.
The shooting woes continued for Miami as the Bulls took their first lead of the second half at 63-62 off a three-pointer from Jamie Schiebner. After Buffalo pushed it to 65-62, the RedHawks closed to within one at the final media timeout off an Ashleigh Brown basket at the 3:56 mark.
With each team struggling to make baskets during the final four minutes, Miami found itself down 67-66 with 14 seconds remaining. After Buffalo missed two free throws, Boyer was fouled going for the rebound with 12 seconds left. She hit both to give Miami a one-point lead and then forced a tie-up with only two seconds remaining that sealed the win.
Reed led the way with 16 points, while Schone contributed 15 and Boyer 13. Both teams ended up shooting 43 percent for the game, while Miami outrebounded Buffalo 40-35.
Miami will be back in action on Wednesday for its "Class at the Court" event against Ohio. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will feature the RedHawks hosting the elementary students of the Talawanda School District.
