Miami University
Central Michigan
RedHawks Comeback Falls Short Versus CMU, 72-58
1/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
OXFORD, Ohio -- After falling behind 23-2 to start the contest, the Miami University women's basketball team rallied to within six points on several occasions, but eventually fell to Central Michigan, 72-58, on Wednesday evening in Oxford, Ohio. CMU improves to 10-7 overall and 4-2 in conference play, while Miami drops to 7-10 overall and 1-5 in the Mid-American Conference.
The Chippewas claimed the 21-point lead with timely shooting from behind the arc and strong rebounding on the offensive side of the ball. CMU connected on five of its first 10 three-point attempts and at one point held a 17-3 rebounding advantage to claim a 26-5 lead after 10 minutes of action.
After the two teams exchanged baskets to open the second quarter, Miami went on a 13-0 run in a span of 4:42 late in the quarter to get within eight at 34-26. Sophomore forward Molly McDonagh had five points and sophomore guard Baleigh Reid added four points, including a deep three-pointer during the run.
Miami continued to claw back and got to within six points at 37-31 following a pair of free throws from Kayla Brown. CMU added two points from the charity strike to close out the quarter to spot the Chippewas a 39-31 advantage at the half.
Following a jumper from McDonagh to open the second half, the RedHawks trailed once again by just six points, but an 8-0 CMU run extended the lead to 47-33 midway through the third quarter. CMU led 53-40 entering the final 10 minutes of action.
Miami got as close as 62-51 with 3:57 to play after a three-point basket from freshman point guard Leah Purvis, but the RedHawks could get no closer.
The RedHawks were led in scoring by Reid, who finished with 15 points. Purvis added 10 and McDonagh ended the game with seven. Redshirt sophomore forward Megan Galloway led Miami with seven rebounds and chipped in with six points on 3-of-4 shooting.
CMU shot 41-percent from the field, while Miami was 33-percent on the night. The Chippewas also claimed an edge in rebounding (46-36) and assists (17-12).
The Red and White return to action this Saturday when they play host to the Buffalo Bulls. Opening tip is scheduled for 2 p.m. and will be carried live on ESPN3.
