Ohio 77, Miami 58

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OXFORD, Ohio -- A difficult opening quarter proved too much to overcome for Miami University's women's basketball team as it fell, 77-58, to Ohio University Saturday afternoon on Senior Day at Millett Hall.

Freshman guard Leah Purvis led the RedHawks (9-20, 3-15 MAC) with 13 points, while the team shot 31.9 percent from the field. Senior forward Jessica Rupright scored eight points in her home finale, while sophomore guard Ana Richter pulled in seven rebounds.

Ohio (24-5, 16-2 MAC) opened the game with an 8-0 run that was spurred on by two quick 3-pointers, culminating in a 12-2 Bobcat lead by the first media timeout. The scoring barrage continued for Ohio with a 10-0 run that led to the Bobcats holding a 24-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Miami opened the second quarter on a 6-0 run that brought the score to 24-13 with 8:14 to play in the period. The quarter continued with back-and-forth scoring, as Ohio built its advantage back up to 30-17 at the media break. At the 3:03 mark, Richter connected on a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to single-digits at 31-22. But, the Bobcats closed out the half with a 7-0 run that put them ahead 41-25 as both teams headed to the locker room.

For the half, Miami shot 28.6 percent, with sophomore guard Jazz Smith leading the team with six points.

Both teams traded baskets to start the second half, but Ohio maintained a solid advantage by answering short Miami bursts. Following a deep 3-pointer from Rupright, the Bobcats countered with a lay-in that gave them a 53-39 lead at the media timeout. Ohio finished the third quarter by connecting on eight of its final nine field-goal attempts and held a 61-41 lead heading into the concluding period. Miami started the fourth quarter with an 8-3 run, but Ohio responded with a burst that clinched the final result. The RedHawks would bring the game to within 13 points late in the quarter, but were unable to put together a final push.

The RedHawks will now turn their attention toward the first round of the 2016 Mid-American Conference Women's Basketball Tournament. Miami is the 12th seed and will travel to Akron for a first-round game on Monday, March 7. Game time is 7 p.m.