Miami University
Chicago State
RedHawks Fall to Chicago State
12/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 30, 2010
CHICAGO - A late 17-2 run turned a two-point game into a 79-62 lead for Chicago State over Miami Thursday evening. The RedHawks would answer with a late run of their own to close the game to within eight, but would eventually fall, 94-84. Courtney Osborn led the Redhawks with 29 points. Miami falls to 7-5 overall, while the Cougars improve to 6-7.
After falling behind 5-2 to begin the game, layups from Lillian Pitts and Kirsten Olowinski gave Miami its first lead at 6-5. Osborn contributed two jumpers and a free throw as the RedHawks expanded the advantage to 11-7. Chicago State started hitting several outside shots as it retook the lead at 26-19 with 6:59 remaining. Osborn answered with two three-pointers and another layup as Miami closed to within four at 31-27 at the 5:13 mark. The Cougars would then close the half on a 12-6 run to take a 44-33 lead into the break.
Osborn led Miami with 17 points in the first half. The RedHawks actually outshot Chicago State 45 percent (13-for-29) to 41 percent (13-for-32). The difference was on the boards, as the Cougars outrebounded Miami, 24-14. That included 13 offensive rebounds. Chicago State was also able to get to the line, putting in 14 of their 15 free throw attempts. The teams traded baskets to begin the second period.
After a three-point basket by Courtney Waldron gave the Cougars a 56-44 lead at the 14:25 mark, Miami began to make its move. Rachael Hencke and Maggie Boyer each hit three-pointer to pull the RedHawks to within eight at 58-50. A jumper by Boyer and layups from Olowinski and Pitts were part of a 10-2 run that made it 62-60 with 8:02 remaining. Just missing a steal on the following possession a three-pointer by the Cougars started that 17-2 run that made it 79-62 at the 4:05 mark.
Osborn hit another three-pointer, while Boyer recorded two of her own as part of a 17-8 run that pulled the RedHawks to within eight at 87-79 with 1:21 remaining. Miami would trade baskets for free throws to pull within eight two more times, but Chicago State hit all of its shots from the line down the stretch to close out the 94-84 victory.
In addition to Osborn's 29 points, Boyer finished with 16, while Olowinski contributed 10. The RedHawks recorded a season-high 16 steals, but were outrebounded by the Cougars, 47-32.
Miami returns to action on Sunday for its final non-conference game when it makes the short trip downtown to take on Cincinnati at 2 p.m. from Fifth Third Arena.
