Miami University
Massachusetts
Hot Shooting Leads Miami to 81-56 Win Over UMass
11/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 19, 2011
OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University women's basketball team used 53.7 percent and a strong defense to cruise to an 81-56 victory over Massachusetts Saturday in the home opener. Courtney Osborn led the RedHawks with 25 points, five assists and three steals. Miami improves to 2-1 overall, while the Minutewomen fall to 1-2.
The Red and White shot 29-for-54 for the game, including 9-for-21 from behind the arc. Almost as important, Miami held UMass to 32.3 percent (20-for-62) shooting, including a 4-for-20 performance from three-point land.
The RedHawks took the lead right from the start, as a jumper by Maggie Boyer and a three-pointer from Osborn helped the 'Hawks race to a 10-6 advantage. A three-pointer from Hannah Robertson sparked a 15-10 run that put Miami in front, 25-16, with 6:43 remaining in the half. Robertson showed several athletic moves throughout the game, often creating her own shot by beating her opponent off the dribble.
Layups from Kelsey Simon and Kirsten Olowinski, along with a three-pointer by Boyer gave Miami its largest lead of the half at 39-26. After the teams exchanged free throws, Miami headed into the break in front by 12, 40-28.
The Red and White kept the foot on the gas as the second half began. Osborn hit back-to-back threes to make it 49-33 at the 17:26 mark. She then stole the ball a minute later and found a streaking Erica Almady for a nice fast-break layup. Back-to-back three-pointers from Boyer were part of a 14-8 stretch that put Miami in front by 22 at 65-43 with exactly 10 minutes remaining.
Simon had a strong game of the bench for the Red and White. Two layups late in the game ended a mini-UMass run and put Miami in front, 73-54, at the 3:24 mark. From there the RedHawks would cruise to the finish, holding the Minutewomen to only one more basket to secure an 81-56 win.
Osborn had a season-high five three-pointers among her 25 points. Robertson finished with 14 points, while Boyer had 13. Simon finished with a career-high seven points and four rebounds. The RedHawks had eight blocks on the day, led by Rachael Hencke with three.
Miami returns to action on Tuesday when it hosts Indiana at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Miami All-Access for those who have a subscription.
