OXFORD, Ohio (Jan. 3) - The women's basketball team could not overcome a dismal 3-for-14 shooting percentage from three-point land and fell to the University at Buffalo 68-56 in the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams. The RedHawks also coughed up the ball 22 times and and connected on just 60 percent of their foul shots (9-of-15).

Plagued by 12 first-half turnovers, Miami fell behind by as many as 14 points (36-22) with 3:33 remaining. Sonia Ortega sparked the Bulls by notching 12 points and four steals in the half.

Miami clawed its way back into the contest and cut the lead to 36-28 by halftime as Jana Butler drained four of her team-best eight points in the half.

The RedHawks finished the first frame shooting 43 percent, but Buffalo tallied 16 points off turnovers and hit 53 percent of its shots in the first 20 minutes.

In the second half, Buffalo kept the defensive intensity up and forced Miami into four miscues in the first four minutes.

The Bulls stretched their lead to 15 points with 12:29 remaining in the contest as Ortega put back her own shot underneath.

Miami fought back once again and drew to within five points (48-43) with just over nine minutes remaining, but could not get any closer.

The RedHawks were led by Kim Lancaster, who registered a team-high 11 points. Heather Cusick pitched in 10 points and five assists.

Mari McClure led all scorers with 19 points, while Ortega added 18 markers and 10 boards.

Miami (6-5, 0-1) returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 6 as it hosts Toledo. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. in Millett Hall.