OXFORD, Ohio (Jan. 30) -- For the second straight year, Miami University's women's basketball team upset Kent State University in a key Mid-American Conference matchup, defeating the Golden Flashes in style 88-57 Tuesday night in Millett Hall. For the night, the RedHawks hit a season-high 12 three-pointers and connected on 14-of-18 free throw attempts.

After falling behind 6-3 early on, Miami exploded on a 37-10 run and finished the half leading 42-22. Heather Cusick fueled the spurt by scoring 10 of her 13 first-half points during the stretch.

The RedHawks capitalized on 19 first-half Kent State turnovers and scored 25 of its points off of the Golden Flashes' miscues.

In the second half, Miami continued to pour it on as it expanded its lead to as many as 38 points (67-29) with 10:07 remaining in the contest. The Golden Flashes would get no closer than 28 points, giving the RedHawks their second straight MAC win.

For the game, Miami shot an astounding 12-of-18 from behind the arc and 55 percent overall, while KSU was held to 36 percent shooting. The RedHawks coughed up 23 turnovers but also forced 28 from the Golden Flashes.

Cusick pitched in a career-high-tying 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three-point land. Cusick also dished out eight assists and grabbed five rebounds.

Hollie Nelsen, who hit three three's and all six of her foul shots, finished with 21 points, while Kim Lancaster (13), Melanie Kozlowski (12) and Beth Roederer (10) also notched double digits for the RedHawks.

Julie Studer was the lone Golden Flash to hit for more than nine points, scoring 23 markers.

Miami (10-8, 4-4 MAC) continues its tough MAC slate as it travels to West Division leader Ball State on Saturday, Feb. 3. Game time is set for 7 p.m. and will air on the Ball State Sports Network on WIPB television.

Game Notes: Finishing with three steals, Cusick extended her consecutive streak of games with a steal to 27 games ... both teams snared 35 boards for the game ... Nelsen has now connected on 29 of her last 33 free throw attempts (88 percent) ... for the first time this year, Miami had five players score in double figures ... the RedHawks shot a season-best 67 percent from behind the arc ... Miami ended the game with a season-high 21 steals ... Miami ran its all-time record versus Kent State to 30-24, including an impressive 20-2 mark at home.