OXFORD, Ohio (AP contributed to this story) -- Alex Shorts scored a game-high 17 points and Jason Grunkemeyer added 16 to lead Miami University to a 71-54 victory over Marshall on Saturday.

The victory halted a four-game losing skid by the RedHawks (5-8, 1-1 MAC) and a seven-game winning streak by the Thundering Herd (8-2, 2-1), the preseason MAC favorite. Miami also halted a brief two-game home losing streak.

Miami won the game with its first-half performance. The RedHawks led 14-12 midway through the first half, but took control in the final 10-plus minutes. Sparked by freshman Julius Johnson, Miami went on a 21-4 run to take a 35-16 halftime lead. Marshall's only points during that run came at the free throw line.

The RedHawks suffered just one turnover in the first half, while forcing the Herd in 12 first-half mistakes. Marshall also shot just 22.7 percent (5-of-22) in the first 20 minutes.

Johnson equaled career highs for points (12) and rebounds (5), and set personal bests for assists (4) and steals (3). Junior guard Doug Davis turned in one of his finer efforts of the year, scoring 13 points and tallying a career-high four steals. He also added two assists and no turnovers in 39 minutes.

Tamar Slay scored 15 to lead Marshall. The preseason all-MAC performer has scored 15 or more points in all but one game this season. J.R. VanHoose registered a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Joda Burgess contributed 12 points.

VanHoose hit a jumper to start the second half, and Latece Williams made a free throw to cut the Marshall deficit to 16 points, but that was as close as Marshall got.

Miami returns to action this Wednesday (Jan. 10), hosting Central Michigan (7-3, 1-0) at 7 p.m.