Miami University
Marshall
Tenacious Defense Leads Miami to Win Over Marshall
11/16/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2011
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A strong defense and some timely runs gave the Miami University women's basketball team its first victory, 56-49, over Marshall on Wednesday. Courtney Osborn led the RedHawks with 17 points. Miami improves to 1-1 on the season, while the Thundering Herd falls to 1-1.
The RedHawks earned this win on the defensive end as it forced Marshall into poor shooting all night. The Thundering Herd were held to 29 percent (20-for-69) shooting for the contest, including only 11.8 percent (2-for-17) from behind the three-point line.
After Marshall jumped to a quick 4-0 lead, back-to-back three-pointers from Osborn and Kirsten Olowinski put Miami in front. It was part of a 10-0 run that gave the RedHawks early control. Osborn would hit another layup, while Haley Robertson would drain a three-pointer to increase the advantage to seven at 18-11 with 9:40 to go. The Thundering Herd responded with a 9-2 run that made it 20-18 in favor of the RedHawks with 5:43 remaining in the half.
Two free throws apiece by Maggie Boyer and Osborn expanded the advantage back to eight at 26-18. After a Marshall bucket, a free throw and a layup by Haley Robertson and a free throw from Osborn would send Miami into the break leading, 30-20.
The Red and White's defense held the Herd to 25.7 percent (9-for-35) shooting for the half. Miami outrebounded Marshall, 24-19, during the frame.
The RedHawks kept up the offensive pressure to begin the second half. A layup from Olowinski and a jumper by Hannah Robertson gave Miami its largest lead at 38-22 at the 16:51 mark. Marshall responded with a 10-2 run that would pull it to within eight at 40-32. The Red and White fought right back, as jumpers by Olowinski and Erica Almady made it 46-32 with 9:15 to go.
Marshall had one last run in it as it scored nine of the next 10 points to pull within six at 47-41. In front, 51-45, Hannah Robertson hit a game-clinching jumper as the shot clock expired to take an eight-point lead with 3:22 remaining. The RedHawks would hit their free throws down the stretch to hold on for the 56-49 win.
In addition to her 17 points, Osborn had five assists and four steals. Other leading scorers for the RedHawks included Olowinski with 12, Hannah Robertson with 10 and Haley Robertson with eight. Miami shot 40.5 percent (17-for-42) for the game, while Marshall ended up outrebounding the 'Hawks, 42-39.
Miami returns to Millett Hall for its home opener against Massachusetts on Saturday at 2 p.m. At the conclusion of the contest, the team will hold a free clinic for boys and girls in grades two through eight.
