OXFORD – The Miami University women's basketball team used a 28-1 run early in the second quarter that extend midway through the third to capture an 83-51 win over Tiffin on Tuesday afternoon at Millett Hall. The win moves the RedHawks to 7-5 overall to close out non-conference action.
Miami's defense was stout throughout the game, holding the Dragons without a field goal for 13:14 as the RedHawks pulled away late in the second quarter. Tiffin was just 20-of-53 from the floor (37.7%) and connected on just four three pointers on 18 attempts (22.2%). The RedHawks dominated the glass, outrebounding the Dragons 42-33 (16 offensive) and forcing 26 Tiffin turnovers.
Offensively, the RedHawks were led by junior
Abbey Hoff, who had a career-high 18 points. Senior
Lauren Dickerson registered 16 points,
Kelly McLaughlin had 13 and
Monique Esbrand added 10.
Miami opened the contest on a 9-2 run but the Dragons answered with a 5-0 spurt of their own to get to within 9-7 early in the first quarter. Dickerson responded with her second triple of the opening quarter to extend the RedHawks' lead to 12-7. Miami would lead 20-12 after 10 minutes of play.
Tiffin got as close as 22-19 to begin the second quarter, but the Miami defense turned up the pressure, shutting out the Dragons the final 6:39 of the quarter. At the same time, the offense found its groove, pounding the ball inside.
Dickerson got free for a layup and McLaughlin connected on back-to-back buckets from inside the paint to push Miami's lead to 28-19. A Hoff bucket, followed by another layup from McLaughlin and a jumper from
Alexis Straw to end the quarter pushed Miami's lead to 37-19 as the teams went to the locker room.
The RedHawks continued its dominant performance, scoring the first eight points of the second half to take a 45-19 lead. After being held scoreless in the first half, freshman
Peyton Scott got on the score sheet with a pair of buckets to open the second half scoring.
A
Vannessa Garrelts layup concluded Miami's scoring for the third quarter as the Red and White extended its lead to 62-32.
Miami returns to action on Jan. 4 with a home game versus Buffalo. Opening tip is set for 2 p.m. as both squads open Mid-American Conference action.
