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Red and White fall to Bowling Green

Brian Gallagher, Staff Writer

In a clash between two Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division titans, the Miami University women's basketball team (20-8, 10-5 MAC) was unable to overcome a plethora of fouls and fell to Bowling Green State University (BGSU) 64-55 Saturday.

Despite out-shooting BGSU from the floor, 38.5 percent to 34.1 percent, the RedHawks sent the Falcons to the free throw line 41 times where Bowling Green (23-5, 13-2 MAC) capitalized by hitting 34 of those attempts.

"Our defense was good except for the fouling," head coach Maria Fantanarosa said. "We just fouled them way too many times and that was the difference."

Junior guard Courtney Osborn led the scoring attack for the 'Hawks, pouring in 21 points, 19 of which came in the second half.

Junior forward, Kirsten Olowinski added 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for her third straight double-double, as well as the 29th of her career. Miami also received contributions from senior Rachel Hencke, who came off the bench to score 13 points. The 'Hawks, however, were without starting sophomore guard Hannah Robertson who had been averaging 9.9 points per game while also providing a spark on the defensive end.

"In a physical game like this, being able to drive the lane is crucial and Hannah is one of our best drivers," Fantanarosa said. "We missed her tonight but we also need that extra inch from everyone on the team."

Both teams got off to a slow start in the first half as the Falcons led 13-11 after 10 minutes of play. While Miami held the rebounding advantage for the first half, the 'Hawks were plagued by nine turnovers, which led to 10 BGSU points.

Despite shooting just over 30 percent in the first half, the RedHawks were still in the game at halftime, down only 26-18.

Fouls and turnovers began to get the best of the RedHawks as Bowling Green was able to push its lead to 50-35 with just 6:01 remaining. But Miami still had some fight in it as Osborn and Olowinski teamed up to score 14 of the 'Hawks' next 16 points, bringing the BGSU advantage down to 58-51 at the 1:27 mark. That was as close at it would get though as the Falcons pulled away en route to their 14th home victory of the season.

"We need to be more aggressive throughout the entire game rather than just when we're down," Olowinski said. "What we need to do now is focus on getting back to our game, not fouling and seeing what that creates."

The RedHawks return home to Millett Hall for their final game of the season to face the Ohio University Bobcats in the "Battle of the Bricks" at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The last time these two teams met in Athens, Ohio, Miami came away with a 67-47 victory to cap a 10-game winning streak.

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Tuesday's contest will be the final game in Oxford for three RedHawk seniors: Hencke, forward Lillian Pitts and guard Maggie Boyer. The team will honor them prior to the game as a part of senior night.

"For the seniors, they just want to get a win and they don't want to make it about them," Fantanarosa said. "And every player on our team wants to win but also play well for the seniors in their last game at home."

Having secured the fourth seed in the MAC Tournament, Miami is scheduled to play its quarterfinal game at noon Thursday, March 8 in Cleveland. Tickets are still on sale as the 'Hawks look to add another banner to the rafters and grab their first MAC championship since the 2007-2008 season.