• Roster | 
• Schedule | 
• News | 
• Archives | 
• Photos 

Jan. 20, 2003

Final Stats

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.-Miami University's women's basketball team showed the ability to bounce back once again Monday night, rebounding from an emotional loss by picking up a key Mid-American Conference East Division road win over Marshall University, 72-53.

Bolstered by an all-around strong effort out of the gates, Miami looked to have the game firmly in control with less than eight minutes to play in the first half. The RedHawks were strong on defense and controlled the boards while holding the Thundering Herd to just one 3-point field goal over a nearly 10-minute span and building a 25-9 lead. Offensively, Miami exhibited a balanced attack that included four early 3-point field goals and a strong interior presence by senior center Jana Butler.

Just as quickly as Miami's lead was constructed, however, Marshall, which seized control of the offensive glass, broke it back down with a 12-2 run over the next four minutes. The teams exchanged baskets over the remainder of the half, with Miami taking a 33-27 halftime lead to the locker room. Butler led Miami, which shot 43 percent from the field during the first half, with eight points in the half. Marshall shot just 30 percent from the floor during the opening half but snared 11 first-half offensive rebounds.

Marshall, which entered the game as the MAC's leader in field goal percentage defense and rebounding, continued to show why early in the second half, rallying to within 41-40 by the 10:03 mark. With the momentum clearly in Marshall's favor and Miami struggling to maintain a razor-thin lead, Heather Cusick stepped to the forefront for the Red and White, tallying eight of Miami's next 11 points and expanding the RedHawk advantage back into double digits, 52-42, with under eight minutes to play.

With the momentum back on its side, Miami continued to press its advantage, holding Marshall (5-9, 1-3 MAC) without a field goal over the final 7:57 of the game, and earning its 11th consecutive win over the Herd. Cusick led Miami with 14 points, while Kim Lancaster and Kim Smith each added 10.

Miami (8-8, 3-2 MAC) continues an important MAC East road stretch Saturday when it travels to the University at Buffalo for a 7 p.m. tip. The RedHawks will be looking to extend an eight-game regular-season winning streak versus the MAC East.