LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21) -- Leading by 19 points at one point in the second half, Miami University's women's basketball team dropped a heartbreaker to the University of Kentucky 77-71 Tuesday night at Memorial Coliseum. The loss marks the fifth straight game the Wildcats have defeated the Red and White.

Miami used a 12-0 run late in the first half to build a 39-28 halftime lead. The RedHawks held Kentucky scoreless for nearly six minutes during the spurt.

Kelli Stamper nailed eight first-half points, along with five boards and four blocks to lead Miami at the break. Heather Cusick pitched in 11 points in the half, including eight points in the last three minutes.

Miami stretched its lead to 56-37 with 13 minutes remaining as Stamper drained two free throws. However, Kentucky began to claw its way back into the game with a full-court press.

The Wildcats suddenly were within six points at the eight-minute mark, using an 11-2 run to cut the lead to 63-57. Finally, Kentucky snagged its first lead at the 3:20 mark as Rita Adams drained a jumper.

Kim Lancaster gave Miami the lead again with just over two minutes left as she tallied six straight points.

Kentucky regained the lead for good as Stephanie Stoglin hit a three-pointer, giving the Blue and White a 72-71 advantage. The Cats iced the game with late free throws to secure the win.

For the game, Miami shot 43 percent from the field, despite making only 4-of-16 from three-point land.

Cusick and Lancaster paced the RedHawks with 16 points apiece. Stamper added 14 points and tallied a team-high six rebounds.

Miami is back in action this weekend as it travels to Nashville, Tenn. to take part in the Vanderbilt Tournament. The RedHawks open with Austin Peay on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m.