Miami University
UIC
RedHawks Clipped by UIC, 72-69
11/22/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
OXFORD, Ohio—Despite a thrilling finish and a back-and-forth struggle that included 16 lead changes and 12 ties, the Miami University women’s basketball team (1-1) was edged in a hard-fought battle to UIC (3-0) on Saturday afternoon at Millett Hall, 72-69.
Two RedHawks posted double-doubles to spark Miami. It was the second double-double in as many games for freshman guard Ana Richter, posting 14 points and 10 rebounds. Junior forward Hannah McCue also notched a double-double, the first of the season and third of her career with 16 points to lead the RedHawks and 10 rebounds. Freshman guard Baleigh Reid was the other RedHawk to score in double figures with 13 points.
Sparked by a trio of free throws and a triple from freshman guard Kayla Brown, Miami used a 7-0 run early in the first half to stake a 10-4 lead by the 14:43 mark. A pair of free throws from freshman guard Jazz Smith extended the RedHawks lead to 16-8 by the 12:11 mark.
UIC chiseled away at the Miami lead and notched a three-point edge by the 7:18 mark, 21-18. The teams battled over the remainder of the half, going back and forth, with Smith hitting a pair of key three-pointers that helped Miami enter the intermission tied at 37.
The close play of the first half continued in the second as Miami and UIC traded baskets throughout the period. McCue added 10 points in the half, including two key three-point shots. A jumper from Richter gave the RedHawks a one-point lead with 3:55 remaining in the contest, but the Flames continued to fight back with tough defense and rebounding. After being fouled on a UIC missed foul shot with 49 seconds left, Reid sank both of her free throws to bring Miami to within one. The RedHawks had two good looks on their final three-point attempts in the dying seconds, but neither one of the shots went through to tie the game.
Eight points from Miami’s bench were key to its tough second half performance, with both Richter and her fellow freshman Smith turning in strong performances. The RedHawks also assisted their cause with 22 second-half rebounds and 42.3% shooting.
Miami hits the road for a pair of games, beginning with a 7 p.m. game at Oakland on Friday, Nov. 28 followed by a 2 p.m. game at 13th-ranked Michigan State on Sunday, Nov. 30.
