YPSILANTI, Mich – The Miami University women's basketball team (8-8, 1-3 MAC) could not overcome a slow start on Wednesday, falling at Eastern Michigan (8-7, 3-1 MAC) by an 80-53 margin.

Peyton Scott led Miami's offense with 14 points while Savannah Kluesner led on the boards with seven rebounds.

Eastern Michigan shot 66.7 percent from the floor in the first quarter to take a 29-8 lead after 10 minutes despite Miami's defense holding the Eagles to only one three-pointer. The game was tied at two before EMU's offense scored 10-straight points to take a lead it would not surrender.

Scott had Miami's first two baskets of the game while Kenzie Schmitz chipped in two free throws and Kluesner sank a basket before the first quarter ended.

Each team scored 11 points in the second quarter as Miami's defense forced EMU's shooting to cool down to 26.7 percent for the quarter. The Eagles held the 9-2 advantage in the second quarter through six minutes of action before the RedHawks finished the quarter on a 9-2 run, sparked by a three-pointer from Vannessa Garrelts.
 

Way to get it started, @vgarrelts4!#RiseUpRedHawks pic.twitter.com/BTwaLNv7to

— Miami University WBB (@MiamiOH_WBB) January 16, 2020

 
Miami trailed Eastern Michigan 40-19 going into the locker room.

The RedHawks improved their shooting, going 7-of-13 in the third quarter. The Eagles went 10-of-18 from the floor during the third quarter to outscore Miami 23-16 and extend EMU's lead to 28 points following 30 minutes of play.

The RedHawks held a one-point edge in the final quarter, forcing Eastern Michigan to shoot just 17 percent from the floor. Ten free-throws made by the Eagles in the final quarter prevented the RedHawks from closing the gap.

Miami returns home to host Kent State on Saturday for camper reunion and autograph day. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.