OXFORD, Ohio (Jan. 27) -- Despite committing a season-high 31 turnovers and missing 7-of-9 free throws in the final 31 seconds, Miami's women's basketball team survived a sloppy outing as it defeated Ohio 56-53 Saturday afternoon in Millett Hall. Conversely, the Bobcats coughed up 30 miscues of their own.

With 31 ticks left on the clock, Miami led 54-50. Nonetheless, Heather Cusick and Beth Roederer missed two foul shots each before Ohio's Andrea Gay drained 1-of-2 free throws with 13 seconds left, pulling the Bobcats to within 54-51.

Again, the RedHawks could not extend its lead as Melanie Kozlowski misfired on two charity shots. Gay then connected on two more free throws with just seven seconds remaining to draw within one point (54-53). After another missed free throw, Hollie Nelsen ended the drought by drilling her second free throw attempt.

Then, Ohio's Heather Laughlin called a timeout when the team didn't have any remaining to put Cusick at the line for a technical foul shot, giving Miami a 56-53 advantage.

A three-point attempt by Ohio at the buzzer came up short.

For the game, Miami shot 43 percent from the field compared to the Bobcats' 34 percent. Ohio (6-13, 3-5 MAC) did win the war on the glass, outrebounding Miami 37-34.

Roederer finished the day with a game-high 12 points, while Cusick and Nelsen also reached double digits, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively. Jana Butler added a team-high rebounds and Colleen Day finished with nine points, seven boards, four steals and three assists.

In the first half, both teams struggled from the field. However, Miami managed to gain a 27-15 halftime advantage, following a 14-4 run to end the half.

Miami (9-8, 3-4 MAC) is back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 30, as it attempts to avenge a 71-69 loss to Kent State earlier in the season. The RedHawks host the Golden Flashes at 7 p.m.

Game Notes: Miami's defense held the Bobcats to 15 first-half points, which was the least points the RedHawks have given in a half all season ... Ohio entered the game second in the MAC in scoring, averaging 80.0 points per game, but finished 27 points below their average ... Cusick ended with two steals, stretching her streak to 26 games with at least one steal.