TOLEDO, Ohio – The Miami University women’s basketball team made a valiant comeback attempt, but could not overcome a slow start as Toledo took a 63-53 victory Saturday afternoon. It was the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams. The RedHawks fall to 3-9 on the season and 0-1 in the MAC, while the Rockets improve to 8-4 overall and 1-0 in the MAC.
Senior point guard Courtney Larson continued her hot streak from behind the arc draining another four 3-point baskets. She was 5-for-9 from the field overall and led Miami with 14 points. Larson had a strong overall game, bringing in six rebounds and dishing out three assists in 33 minutes of action.
Toledo came out on fire to begin the first half, hitting nine of its first 12 shots. Meanwhile the RedHawks were cold from the field as only a jumper and a long three-pointer from junior forward Jessica Rupright were able to fall in the first nine minute of the contest. After a layup, the Rockets built a 24-5 lead with 10:49 to go.
A pair of free throws from freshman guard Baleigh Reid began Miami’s response. A layup from Rupright and a three-pointer by Larson cut the deficit to 12. They each hit another basket as the RedHawks eventually finished off a 14-0 run over a five minute period that made it 24-19 at the 5:43 mark. Senior guard Katy Dolesh came off the bench and hit a pair of layups to help pull Miami to within four at 28-24 at the halftime break. Overall the RedHawks closed the half on a 19-4 run.
Defenses for both teams tightened up as the second half began. A layup from junior forward Hannah McCue made it 34-30 at the 11:43 mark. The Rockets scored the next three points, but Miami closed to within two at 37-35 after a three-pointer from Rupright and a layup by freshman guard Ana Richter with 10:47 to go.
Trailing 42-35, a three-pointer from Dolesh pulled the team to within four. However, Toledo responded with a 13-2 run over the next four minutes to put the game out of reach at the 4:16 mark. The RedHawks would get as close as eight, but the Rockets hit their free throws down the stretch to finish off the 63-53 victory.
In addition to Larson’s 14 points, Rupright finished with 12, Reid had eight and Dolesh scored seven. Miami shot 37.5 percent (18-for-48) for the game, while the Rockets hit 40.8 percent (20-for-49). Toledo held a slight 34-31 rebounding advantage and was led by Janice Monakana with 19 points.
The RedHawks return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Ball State for a 7 p.m. contest. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.-
