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DAYTON, Ohio - The RedHawk women's basketball team captured their third consecutive victory with a 65-54 decision over Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday evening at the Wright State Invitational. The win moved Miami to 5-6 on the season, while the Colonels fell to 3-8.

For the ninth time this season, freshman Lauren Dickerson spearheaded the RedHawk attack with 19 points, while Molly McDonagh joined her in double figured with 10 points. The RedHawks also got a boost from Leah Purvis and her eight second half points.

Neither team started particularly well offensively but it was Miami who gained the early edge. Just over four minutes in, two buckets from McDonagh and a three-pointer by Dickerson had the 'Hawks up 7-2. The Colonels responded and went on a 10-3 run the rest of the quarter to take a 12-10 lead into the game's first break.

The second quarter opened with both teams trading buckets. Assisted by five made free throws and a couple jumpers, EKU worked their lead to a first half-high of eight at 30-22 with 2:19 remaining in the second period. However, the Red & White closed out the quarter by scoring the final five points courtesy of two McDonagh free throws and an Abbey Hoff triple with 18 seconds to play. Miami nearly knotted things up on a Purvis halfcourt heave that rattled in and out at the buzzer. The Colonels held a 30-27 advantage at the half.

Miami carried its momentum into the second half, grabbing two quick baskets to take its first lead since 1:08 to go in the opening quarter. EKU retook the lead on their next possession, but the RedHawks surged back in front and never looked back. Carrying a 42-38 lead with 1:42 left in the quarter, Purvis hit a three-pointer and two free throws, while Megan Galloway added a putback with the clock winding down to give MU a 49-38 lead through three periods of play.

The closest the Colonels would get in the final quarter was seven points as Miami was able to put the game away with clutch free throw shooting over the course of the final few minutes. The Red & White finished the contest with a field goal percentage of .351 on 20-of-57 shooting. EKU shot just .296 percent from the floor.

Miami closes out the Wright State Invitational on Wednesday at 4 p.m against host Wright State. The game will be streamed live on ESPN3.