OXFORD, Ohio (Nov. 8) -- Miami University's women's basketball team opened its 2000-01 basketball exhibition slate on the right foot as it defeated the Cincinnati Stars 79-73 Wednesday night at Millett Hall.

Miami fell behind early as the Stars used a 7-2 run to take a 12-6 lead four minutes into the game. Connie Hamberg hit for five of the seven points during the run.

After both teams exchanged baskets for much of the next seven minutes, Miami clawed its way into the lead as Jenny Martin (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove) drained a jumper, giving the RedHawks a 23-21 advantage. Miami and the Stars continued to trade points until the 3:56 mark in the first frame as Kim Lancaster (Sharonville, Ohio/Princeton) took a pass from Beth Roederer (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral) and connected for two of her six first-half points, snatching a lead it would not relinguish the rest of the game.

Miami finished the first half shooting just under 44 percent from the field, while the Stars shot 40 percent.

With momentum carrying over from the first half, Miami added to its lead early in the second. Sparked by three-pointers from Jana Butler (Findlay, Ohio/Liberty-Benton) and Kelli Stamper (Frankfort, Ky./Lexington Catholic), the RedHawks stretched their lead to 53-41 with 13:25 to go. The lead expanded to 14 points before the Stars made a valiant run late in the game. Hamberg notched six points in nine seconds to pull the Stars to within five points with 19 seconds remaining.

However, Martin sealed the victory as she drained one-of-two free throws with 10 seconds left in the contest. The RedHawks concluded the night hitting 61 percent from the charity stripe and 41 percent of their shots from the floor.

Heather Cusick (Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo) paced three RedHawks in double figures, contributing a team-high 19 points and four assists. Butler ended the night with 16 points and snared a team-best nine boards, while Martin hit for 13 points and dished out three assists.

Miami resumes action on Tuesday, Nov. 14, when it hosts the OGBM Legends. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.