OXFORD – The Miami University women's basketball team turned in one of its best defensive efforts in school history, shutting down Illinois-Chicago 85-35 on Tuesday afternoon at Millett Hall. The win improves Miami to 4-2 on the young season.
The RedHawks' defense held UIC to 14-of-52 shooting and 1-of-9 from behind the arc for the contest. The RedHawks also forced a season high 23 turnovers as the 35 points allowed are tied for the eighth fewest in school history. Miami also scored 24 points off of those 23 turnovers.
Miami was just as impressive on the boards, dominating with a 59-31 advantage in the rebounding department, outscoring the Flames 23-3 in second-chance points. The combination of stellar defense and exceptional rebounding translated into a 19-2 benefit in fast-break points for the Red and White.
Miami also scored a season high in points and was paced by senior
Lauren Dickerson, who led all scorers with 16.
Kelly McLaughlin (14 – career high),
Monique Esbrand (12 – career high),
Abbey Hoff (11) and
Savannah Kluesner (11) also scored double figures during Miami's annual Goals for Life Contest. Kluesner added a game-high 15 rebounds and in the process recorded her 15
th career double-double. She just missed out on a triple-double, registering a school record seven blocks.
In all, 10 different RedHawks added their name to the scoresheet.
Miami opened the contest with a 13-2 lead after 10 minutes of play and extended its lead to 35-12 at halftime. Miami led 41-26 after three quarters of play and outscored UIC 34-9 in the fourth quarter.
Miami returns to action on Friday, Nov. 29 when it plays Liberty at the Miami (FL) Thanksgiving Tournament. Opening tip is set for 4:30 p.m.
