AKRON, Ohio – Five different RedHawks scored in double figures, but it wasn't enough as the Miami University women's basketball team dropped an 88-80 decision to the University of Akron on Saturday afternoon.
Maddi Cluse and
Sierra Morrow led Miami (11-18, 6-10 MAC) with 18 points apiece, while Molly Neitzel had 24 points and seven rebounds to help the Zips (16-11, 7-9 MAC).
Joining Cluse and Morrow in double figures were
Amani Freeman (17),
Ivy Wolf (11) and
Peyton Scott (10). Cluse added 11 rebounds and Scott had a game-high eight assists.
How it Happened:
- Wolf scored eight of the first 10 points for the RedHawks, who trailed the Zips 13-12 midway through the first quarter. Following the media timeout, Akron stretched its lead to 21-14 before Miami converted on four straight free throws to close the gap, 21-18. The Zips beat the buzzer to close the opening quarter and led 23-18.
- The teams exchanged buckets for the first six minutes as Akron maintained a five-point advantage, 35-30. Scott converted back-to-back jumpers from inside the paint to trail 35-34, but Akron responded with six quick points and led 41-36 at the half.
- UA opened the second half on a 10-5 run and led 51-41. Three straight layups from Cluse, Freeman and Morrow midway through the third helped Miami trim the deficit, 51-47. A pair of Akron free throws stretched their advantage to 58-51 late in the quarter, before Morrow scored four-straight as the RedHawks trailed 60-55 with 10 minutes remaining in the contest.
- Akron began the final stanza on an 8-2 run to lead 68-57. Wolf found Katey Richason at the foul line for a jumper and Scott drew contact on a layup as the RedHawks close to 68-61. UA responded with a 6-2 run to reclaim an 11-point advantage with 5:50 to play. Two minutes later Miami trailed by just two, 74-72 as both Wolf and Scott had clutch buckets down the stretch. Akron scored the next five and led 79-72 with 3:05 to play. Miami clawed to within 80-76 following a layup from Morrow, but the RedHawks could get no closer.
Game Notes:
- Sierra Morrow had a career-high 18 points and added five rebounds and five blocks.
- Maddi Cluse's 18 points and 11 boards is her 10th double-double of the season.
- Amani Freeman registered a career-best 17 points and added seven rebounds.
Up Next:
Miami returns to action on Wednesday, March 1 with a trip to Ohio. Opening tip is set for 7 p.m.
