ATHENS, Ohio (Feb. 14) -- Miami University's women's basketball made Valentine's Day a sweet occasion as it defeated Mid-American Conference-rival Ohio University 82-59 Wednesday night in Athens. Miami (13-9, 7-5 MAC) shot a season-high 67 percent from the field to sweep the season series with the Bobcats.

The RedHawks started quickly as it raced out to a 25-6 lead at the 10:52 mark, following a 23-4 run. During the spurt, Heather Cusick hit two three-pointers and Beth Roederer added seven points.

Just before the half, Miami stretched its lead to 21 points (43-22) and entered the locker room with a 43-25 advantage.

For the half, the RedHawks shot an astounding 72 percent from the field compared to Ohio's 39 percent shooting. Also, Miami hit all four free throws it attempted in the half and tallied seven first-half steals.

In the second half, Miami kept pouring it on the Bobcats, extending its lead to as many as 28 points (59-31) and cruised to the easy victory.

Kim Lancaster, who hit 8-of-10 shots from the field, finished with a game-high 19 points. Lancaster also snared a game-high-tying seven rebounds. Cusick added 14 points and six assists, while Colleen Day tallied 13 points and seven boards and Jana Butler hit for 11 points.

Ronita Whitfield led all Ohio scorers with 13 points.

Miami, winners of five of its last six games, continues its busy schedule as it travels to Western Michigan to take on the Broncos on Saturday, Feb. 17. Game time is slated for 2 p.m. at WMU's University Arena.

Game Notes: Butler, who connected on all three of her free throw attempts, has now hit 19 of her last 21 charity attempts (90 percent) ... for only the third time this season, Miami won the war on the boards. The RedHawks finished with 35 rebounds to Ohio's 23 ... Cusick finished with one steal, extending her streak to consecutive games with at least one steal to 31 contests.