DEKALB, Ill. – The Miami University women’s basketball team led at the half, but a tough shooting night in the second half allowed Northern Illinois to come back and take a 60-49 victory Wednesday evening. The RedHawks fall to 3-18 overall and 0-10 in the Mid-American Conference. The Huskies improve to 9-10 overall and 5-4 in the MAC.
After shooting 44.4 percent (12-for-27) in the first half and scoring 29 points, Miami was held to only 20 points in the second half, finishing with a 32.0 percent (8-for-25) performance during the period.
The loss spoiled a career night for freshman guard Kayla Brown. She finished 9-for-15 from the field, including a 2-for-4 performance from behind the arc. She scored a career-high 21 points
It was a good start for the ‘Hawks as jumpers from freshman guard Baleigh Reid and Brown gave them a 4-3 lead. Miami’s shot went cold over the next seven minutes as NIU was able to build a 15-6 lead with 11:31 left in the half.
A three-pointer from senior point guard Courtney Larson got the Miami offense going. Freshman guard Ana Richter also drained a triple, while a jumper from freshman forward Molly McDonagh put the RedHawks back in front, 18-17. A three-pointer from Brown and a layup by junior forward Jessica Rupright concluded the 17-3 run and put MU up 23-18 at the 4:50 mark.
The teams traded buckets to put Miami in front 25-22. With time running out the RedHawks were able to hold the Huskies without a basket over the final 1:40. Holding the ball for a final shot, Brown launched a three-pointer with two seconds to go. Despite falling down due to contact, she drained the shot. She completed the rare four-point play with a free throw make to send Miami into the break leading, 29-22.
Brown led the ‘Hawks with 11 points in the period. Miami shot 44.4 percent (12-for-27) for the half, while holding NIU to a 32.1 percent (9-for-28) shooting percentage.
The Huskies scored the first six points of the second half to quickly cut their deficit to one. Brown got the RedHawks on the board with a layup, but a 13-4 run gave Northern Illinois a 41-35 lead with 9:27 to go.
Brown and Rupright each hit shots, while a layup from Larson made it 45-41 at the 5:27 mark. NIU was able to salt the game away with an 11-2 run over the next four minutes. Brown hit a couple of layups to set her career high, but the Huskies held on for a 60-49 victory.
In addition to Brown’s 21 points, Reid finished with 10. Miami shot 38.5 percent (20-for-52) for the game, while holding the Huskies to 36.8 percent (21-for-57) shooting. The difference came on the boards, where Northern Illinois held a 45-29 advantage, including bringing in 16 offensive caroms. The Huskies were led by Kelly Smith with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The RedHawks are off this weekend due to the postponement of the Eastern Michigan game. Miami returns to action next Wednesday when it travels to Kent State for a 7 p.m. contest.
