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OXFORD, Ohio - Freshman guard Lauren Dickerson topped 20 points for the fifth time this season, but the Miami University women's basketball team was unable to hold its halftime lead, falling, 68-51, to Buffalo on Saturday afternoon at Millett Hall.

Dickerson scored 20 points on 7-of-17 shooting, along with five in both rebounds and assists. Freshman forward Savannah Kluesner also hit double figures, posting 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Both teams came out strong in the first quarter, with Buffalo building a five-point lead in the opening minutes, but Miami drew the score to 10-9 at the first media timeout. The scoring slowed following the break as the period closed with the Bulls leading 12-11.

Two baskets from Dickerson helped keep Miami in close range as the second quarter began, but a four-minute scoring drought led to Buffalo bolstering its advantage. The RedHawks responded with a quick burst powered by foul shooting from Dickerson and a three-pointer by sophomore Kristen Levering, giving them a 30-29 advantage at halftime.

Dickerson's strong day continued into the third quarter as she converted a contested three-point play that put the RedHawks ahead, 37-31, at the 7:43 mark. Buffalo soon countered with a 10-1 run that restored its lead to 41-38 with 5:33 remaining in the quarter. Coupled with a prolonged Miami scoring drought, Buffalo continued to control the period and headed to the fourth quarter with a 56-44 lead.

The final period saw Buffalo put away the game with sharp shooting and strong defense. For the game, Miami shot 31.7 percent from the field and 73.3 percent from the foul line.

The RedHawks will now head to Mt. Pleasant, Mich., for a matchup with Central Michigan on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m.