OXFORD — Fueled by freshman guard Lauren Dickerson’s career-high 24 points, the Miami University women’s basketball team defeated Northwood University, 64-49, Saturday afternoon at Millett Hall. The result gave the RedHawks their first home victory of the season.

Dickerson posted her third performance of over 20 points this season on 10-of-19 shooting, while also tallying five rebounds and three assists. Sophomore forward Kristen Levering was also a strong contributor with 12 points, while junior forward Molly McDonagh grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. As a team, the RedHawks shot over 42 percent from the field and hit seven three-pointers.

Miami quickly got on the board in the first quarter with five early points, sparked by junior guard Kayla Brown’s three-pointer in the opening minute. Northwood then responded with a 6-2 run that gave them an 8-7 lead at the midpoint of the period.

Sophomore forward Kristen Levering countered the Timberwolves’ surge with a pair of threes from the top of the arc. The sharpshooting from outside continued with a jumper from sophomore forward Kendall McCoy, leveling the score at 16-16 at the end of the first.

The RedHawks opened the second quarter with a 6-0 run, led by four points from Dickerson. Once again, the Timberwolves countered, bringing the deficit to one with just under three to play. But sophomore guard Leah Purvis’ three-pointer broke a long Miami drought, extending the lead to 25-21 with 2:51remaining. Miami closed the half with a 7-2 sequence that gave it a 29-23 lead at halftime.

After trading baskets to start the second half, Miami built its first double-digit lead of the afternoon at 37-27 with the help of consecutive three-pointers from Dickerson. The Timberwolves continued to fight, as senior forward Jordyn Nurenberg scored 13 in the quarter. The strong performance, coupled with a long Miami scoreless streak, narrowed the margin to 46-42 as the teams entered the final period.

Both Miami and Northwood continued to battle as the fourth quarter began, but Dickerson’s clutch shooting helped Miami eventually build a 54-45 advantage at the final media timeout. Miami closed out the victory with solid defense and a 12-4 offensive run.

The RedHawks will return to action on Monday, Dec. 19 as they face Fort Wayne at 4 p.m. in the opening game of the Wright State Invitational in Dayton.

Miami freshman Abbey Hoff fights for a shot against Northwood in the Redhawks’ win on Saturday. Hoff and her teammates came away with a 64-49 win to give them their first home victory.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/12/web1_MU-WOMEN-1.jpgMiami freshman Abbey Hoff fights for a shot against Northwood in the Redhawks’ win on Saturday. Hoff and her teammates came away with a 64-49 win to give them their first home victory.

Sophomore guard Nanci Hunter drives for a shot against the Northwood defense. The Redhawks’ point-guard had three assists in limited minutes in the Miami win.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/12/web1_MU-WOMEN-2.jpgSophomore guard Nanci Hunter drives for a shot against the Northwood defense. The Redhawks’ point-guard had three assists in limited minutes in the Miami win.

Miami freshman Lauren Dickerson stays focused on defense in the Redhawks’ win over Northwood on Saturday, Dec. 10. Dickerson scored 24 points to lead Miami and is averaging nearly 15 points per game on the season.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/12/web1_MU-WOMEN-3.jpgMiami freshman Lauren Dickerson stays focused on defense in the Redhawks’ win over Northwood on Saturday, Dec. 10. Dickerson scored 24 points to lead Miami and is averaging nearly 15 points per game on the season.