Final Stats
TOLEDO, OH - The University of Toledo women's basketball team continued its dominance of Miami Tuesday night with a 57-44 victory in Mid-American Conference action in Savage Hall. The Rockets have won 13 in a row against the RedHawks dating back to the 1996-97 season. With the victory, UT remains tied for second place in the MAC's West Division with Western Michigan and moves within a half-game of front-runner Ball State who was idle.
"I thought our defense was championship caliber tonight," Toledo Head Coach Mark Ehlen said. "I thought we did a great job on them, and I thought they did a good job on us."
Senior Melantha Herron tallied her sixth double-double of the season and seventh of her career scoring 13 points, while grabbing 10 rebounds. Junior Tia Davis, who has scored in double figures in five of the last six games, also poured in 13 points. Senior Courtney Risinger tallied 11 and sophomore Kelly Walker contributed 10 off the bench.
Toledo finished the contest shooting 44.9 percent (22-of-49) from the floor. The Rockets turned up the heat in the second half connecting on 55.6 percent (15-of-27) from the field. UT also won the battle of the boards, 41-30.
"I'm was extremely happy with the fact that we out-rebounded them by 11. That is a real positive for us. I also thought our offense was abysmal. For the fans it was an ugly basketball game to watch. But it's a win and we will take a win any way we can get it."
The Toledo defense was tough holding Miami to its lowest scoring output of the season. The previous low was 55 at Clemson back on Dec. 8. Miami, which has now last five of its last six games, finished tonight's game shooting 30.2 percent (16-of-53) from and floor, including an abysmal five percent (1-of-20) from beyond the arc. In its last two games against Toledo, Miami is shooting just 11.9 percent (5-of-42) from beyond the arc.
Two-time all-conference honoree and the MAC's leading scorer Heather Cusick led Miami with 14 points, but she also had a team-high eight turnovers. The Rockets limited her to 5-of-18 shooting, including 1-of-10 from three-point land. Sophomore Kim Lancaster was the only other RedHawk in double figures, as she tallied 10 points and six boards.
Toledo will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 9, as the Rockets will travel to Kalamazoo, MI to battle Western Michigan. UT will look to avenge an earlier season loss to the Broncos, 64-55, in the conference opener. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m in University Arena. All Toledo women's games can be heard on 88.3 FM or on the internet at www.utrockets.com.
