OXFORD, Ohio - Junior forward Jessica Rupright's 18 points and nine rebounds, along with three others in double-figures, helped give Miami University's women's basketball team a 76-60 victory over the Cedarville Yellow Jackets in an exhibition at Millett Hall on Tuesday evening.
In addition to the junior forward's performance, freshmen guards Baleigh Reid and Kayla Brown had strong Miami debuts, with 15 and 12 points respectively. Junior forward Hannah McCue pitched in with 14 points as well. The RedHawks shot 46.6% from the field with a solid 47.6% performance from beyond the three-point line, as Rupright hit four-of-five shots. Senior guard Courtney Larson led the team with seven assists and three steals. As a team, Miami also played well in the paint, grabbing 41 rebounds and 22 points in the lane. The RedHawks also blocked five Yellow Jackets shots and racked up 12 steals.
Miami opened the game with an 8-0 run, eventually reaching out to an early 16-2 lead. Despite not hitting a shot from the field for 5:14, Miami still finished the first half with a 44-23 advantage. The RedHawks made good use of their free throws, as they went 10-for-10 at the line, allowing them to maintain their lead during the first half dry spell. Eventually, they would finish perfect from the line, going 12-of-12 for the night. At the end of the half, Rupright solidified her impressive night with a long three-pointer as time expired.
A short Cedarville run to open the second half brought the game to within 14, but Miami's three-point shooting would allow it to pull away. Following a key three-point shot by Larson with 8:33 remaining in the game, the RedHawks would never again hold a lead of less than 15, eventually building a game-high 22 point advantage with under two minutes to play. McCue led her team in second-half scoring with seven and three RedHawks came away with three rebounds each in the period.
Miami now heads towards the opening of its regular season with a matchup against Cincinnati Christian at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 18 at Millett Hall. Fans who bring a canned food item will receive $1 off of their admission price at the door. Those who bring in three or more items will receive $5 off. Live statistics can be found on MURedHawks.com and the game will be broadcast live on Miami All-Access for those who have a subscription.
