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Miami drops seven of last 10 games

By Justin Maskulinski, Senior Staff Writer

While most students were taking a break, the Miami University women's basketball team played 10 games. During the break, the RedHawks posted a 3-7 record, including a 2-5 Mid-American Conference (MAC) record. The 'Hawks are 6-12 overall, with a 2-5 MAC record.

Although the RedHawks finished on the losing side more often than not, they were able to win rebound battles in seven of the 10 games they played over break.

"We're doing well on the boards," head coach Cleve Wright said. "That gives us a chance to be in games."

Senior guard Hannah Robertson led the way for the RedHawks for much of the 10-game stretch, as she was the leading scorer five times and leading rebounder four times.

Robertson dropped 18 points twice, in an 88-78 home loss to Western Michigan University (8-10, 4-3 MAC) Jan. 4 and a 79-76 home win against the University of Akron (10-8, 4-3 MAC) Jan. 15.

In the game against Western Michigan, Robertson sank a buzzer-beating three-pointer to tie the game at 76 and force overtime.

The high individual point total was 22, posted by freshman guard Jillian Spurlock in the overtime loss to Western Michigan.

The high individual rebounding performance was by freshman forward Nicole Anderson, when she snagged 15 rebounds in a 76-61 loss at Long Beach State University (10-8, 2-2 Big West Conference).

Senior center Kelsey Simon had a breakout game against Kent State University on Jan. 25, as she had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds in the 72-62 win.

"It was all my teammates," Simon said. "They were penetrating and kicking it to me, or hitting me down low. I credit all of my success to my teammates."

In the seven losses during the winter break, the 'Hawks lost by an average of 12 points per game. On the year, the RedHawks are averaging six and a half less points than their opponents.

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Despite the losing record, the 'Hawks are averaging 38 rebounds per game, two more per game than their opponents have averaged.

"I think we're rebounding the ball well," Wright said. "I also think we're taking better care of the ball than we were in the earlier part of the year."

At the beginning of the season, Wright said he wanted to use his bench, and play up to 10 players. After 18 games, the RedHawks have 10 players that average more than 13 minutes per game, and no player averages more than 29 minutes.

"I intend to play about 10 players," Wright said. "That tends to be my style because I want them to play hard."

The RedHawks have 11 MAC games remaining. The first of those 11 games is Thursday, when the 'Hawks travel to the University at Buffalo.