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'Hawks seek sixth straight win, poised to strike in conference play

Gary Shook - Western Michigan Athletics
Gary Shook - Western Michigan Athletics

The RedHawks continue to tear through the Mid-American Conference.

After logging an 81-62 victory on the road against Western Michigan on Saturday, they turn their attention to Eastern Michigan on Wednesday night.

On Saturday, the 'Hawks reached their season high in points behind the efforts of junior forward Savannah Kluesner and junior guard Lauren Dickerson -- each eclipsed 20 points.

Miami managed to shoot over 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc but was held to a close game by the Broncos who climbed their way back from early deficits. MU found itself leading by only five points with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Five minutes later, the Red & White were up by 21.

A furious 18-3 run in the final minutes of the game showed how quickly the 'Hawks can put the nail in the coffin.

Head coach Megan Duffy's squad has demonstrated its ability to finish games strong this season. The RedHawks have outscored their opponents 142-127 in the fourth quarter so far this season.

Duffy could not be reached for comment before publication.

After five consecutive conference wins, the RedHawks sit with a cool 15-4, 6-2 MAC record. That's enough to keep them in second place in the tough MAC East, only behind Ohio (18-2, 7-2 MAC).

With 10 games left in conference play, Miami is in prime position to climb to the top of the MAC East.

Miami is looking to extend its winning streak to six games when it hosts Eastern Michigan (10-9, 3-5 MAC) at Millett Hall tomorrow. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

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SCOUTING REPORT

THE GAME

Tipoff: 7 p.m. tomorrow at Millett Hall

TV/Radio: ESPN+/Miami IMG Sports Network

MIAMI REDHAWKS

Record: 15-4 (6-2 MAC)

Offense: 68.0 ppg

Defense: 59.4 ppg

PROJECTED LINEUP

Player (position, height, key stat)

Lauren Dickerson (guard, 5'3", 15.7 ppg)

Leah Purvis (guard, 5'6", 7.8 ppg)

Baleigh Reid (guard, 5'10", 4.2 rpg)

Kendall McCoy (forward, 6'0", 12.2 ppg)

Savannah Kluesner (forward, 6'2", 14.8 ppg)

EASTERN MICHIGAN EAGLES

Record: 10-9 (3-5 MAC)

Offense: 63.3 ppg

Defense: 63.7 ppg

PROJECTED LINEUP

Player (position, height, key stat)

Corrione Cardwell (guard, 5'8", 13.3 ppg)

Danielle Minott (guard, 5'8", 15.7 ppg)

Courtnie Lewis (guard, 5'10", 10.5 ppg)

Jenna Annecchiarico (guard, 5'5", 7.3 ppg)

Autumn Hudson (forward, 6'5", 4.1 rpg)

PLAYER TO WATCH

Danielle Minott

The redshirt senior guard leads the Eagles in points per game (15.7) and is second in rebounding per game (5.9).

NCAA NET Ranking: Miami (54); Eastern Michigan (191)