NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 25) -- Heather Cusick unleashed team-highs 17 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds to lead Miami University's women's basketball team over Austin Peay State University 88-68 Saturday evening in the opening round of the First Tennessee Tournament. Cusick's 11 assists were a career-high.

After the Lady Govs knotted the score at 9-9 at the 15:58 mark, the RedHawks jumped out to a 15-0 run over the next six minutes, gaining a 24-9 advantage. During the run, Cusick drained seven points, including a three-pointer.

Just as Austin Peay connected on two consecutive baskets, Miami responded with another 15-0 run, stretching its lead to 39-13 with three minutes remaining in the half. Cusick added five points during the spurt and Colleen Day had a jumper and two free throws. Miami closed out the half with a 41-25 lead.

For the first half, the RedHawks shot 55 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point land. Cusick made all of her attempts in the half, connecting on six shots and finishing with 15 first-half points.

In the second half, Austin Peay closed the gap to nine points with 10:29 left in the game, but Miami quickly put a halt to its comeback. The RedHawks exploded for 21 unanswered points to extend its lead to 30 points, 77-47, with five minutes remaining. Miami held the Lady Govs scoreless for over five minutes during the stretch.

Hollie Nelsen nailed nine points in the five-minute span to lead the Red and White.

The Lady Govs last gasp was shortened as Miami notched its second win of the young season.

For the game, the RedHawks shot 58 percent from the floor while holding Austin Peay to just 35 percent from the field. The Lady Govs were able to out-rebound Miami 42-33, including pulling down 23 offensive boards, but they committed 24 turnovers to the RedHawks 20.

Kim Lancaster tallied 17 points, tying Cusick for the team lead. Jenny Martin added a season-high 15 points and Nelsen finished with 12 points. Between the four players in double digits, they shot 23-of-33 (69 percent) from the field.

Miami (2-2) plays in the championship game on Sunday versus the winner of the Boston-Vanderbilt game. Game time is set for 4 p.m. CDT.