Championship Within Reach

The Miami University women’s basketball team is on the cusp of history, needing a win against Kent State on Wednesday, March 4th at 7 p.m. To secure their first Mid-American Conference Regular Season Championship since the 2003-04 campaign.

Tretter’s Dominance

Forward Amber Tretter has established herself as a force for the RedHawks. She currently boasts 28 double-doubles, the third-most in program history, and is averaging 14.3 points and 8.1 rebounds this season. Tretter is on track to become only the second RedHawk ever to reach 1,000 career rebounds, and has already accumulated 1,063 career points, ranking 25th all-time at Miami. She has scored in double figures in 23 of 29 games this season.

Has 20 double-doubles after two years with the RedHawks. Owns 508 career rebounds. On pace to be just the second RedHawk in program history to record 1,000 career rebounds Miami RedHawks Athletics

Balanced Attack Fuels Success

Miami’s success isn’t solely reliant on Tretter. The team features four players averaging double-digit points per game: Tretter (14.3 ppg.), Amber Scalia (13.9 ppg.), Ilse de Vries (12.7 ppg.), and Tamar Singer (10.9 ppg.).

Scalia’s Milestone

Amber Scalia recently surpassed 1,500 career points and is nearing 200 career three-pointers, currently sitting at 199. Miami is one of only 34 schools nationally with active 1,500-point scorers in both men’s and women’s basketball.

Dominating on Both Ends

Miami currently ranks third in the MAC in scoring offense (71.3 points per game) and leads the conference in scoring defense (58.3 points allowed per game), resulting in a 13.0-point average margin of victory – the second-best in the conference. The RedHawks are also second in field goal percentage (45.3%), first in three-point percentage (34.9%), and second in free throw percentage (75.8%). They excel in turnover margin (5.1), assists (16.2), and steals (10.8).

Recent Performance: Win Over Akron

In their most recent game, four RedHawks scored in double figures in a 74-56 victory over Akron. Núria Jurjo led the way with 15 points, while Amber Scalia, Macie Taylor, and Tamar Singer each contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Miami forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 28 points, while committing only 10 turnovers themselves.

Strong Bench Play

Miami’s bench has been a significant contributor recently, totaling 34 points over the past two games – 16 against Eastern Michigan and 18 against Akron.

Historical Context

The RedHawks started conference play with an impressive 11-0 record, the best start in program history, before a narrow 65-64 loss to UMass on February 14th ended a 13-game win streak, one shy of the all-time school record.

This season’s 24 wins are tied for the most in program history, and their 15 conference wins rank second-best. A final win would tie the program record for conference wins at 17-1.

Scouting Kent State

Kent State enters the matchup with a 14-14 overall record and an 8-8 mark in conference play, tied for sixth place in the MAC. The Golden Flashes are led by Mya Babbitt (16.1 ppg.) and Janae Tyler (10.5 ppg.).

Previous Matchup

Miami defeated Kent State 67-63 in the conference opener on December 31st. Tamar Singer led the RedHawks with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Ilse de Vries (15 points) and Amber Tretter (14 points) also scored in double figures.

Series History

Kent State leads the all-time series 53-50, but Miami holds a 35-18 record at home in Millett Hall. The RedHawks haven’t swept the season series against the Flashes since the 2017-18 season.

National Recognition

Miami currently ranks 10th in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major poll (updated February 24th).

Combined Success

Miami basketball, both men’s and women’s, is experiencing unprecedented success. With a combined record of 53-5, they are second nationally behind UConn (58).

Program Building

The RedHawks have shown consistent improvement under Coach Box, going from 9-20 in his first season to 19-12 last year. This season, they are one win away from a MAC Championship.

Three-Point Prowess

Miami ranks 33rd nationally in three-pointers made per game (8.3). They have reached double-digit three-pointers nine times this season, including a program-record 17 against Ohio on January 31st. Five players rank in the top 20 in three-point shooting percentage among MAC competitors.

Defensive Strength

Coach Box has prioritized defense, and it’s paying off. Miami ranks 37th nationally in points allowed (58.3 per game) and has held all 16 MAC opponents below their season scoring average. They are also strong in forcing turnovers (20.4 per game) and steals (10.8 per game).

Home Court Advantage

The RedHawks are undefeated at home this season (13-0), outscoring opponents by an average of 19.9 points per game. They shoot 39.6% from three-point range and average 18.5 assists per game at Millett Hall.

Efficient Free Throw Shooting

Miami attempts only 15.6 free throws per game but makes the most of their opportunities, shooting 75.8% from the foul line, ranking 50th nationally.

Experienced Roster

Despite having eight new players, the RedHawks boast an experienced roster with a combined 776 games played and 386 starts.

Singer’s Impact

Tamar Singer has elevated her game this season, averaging 10.9 points and 7.3 assists per game (fourth nationally). She has surpassed 20 points three times this season and leads the team in scoring six times.

Passing Records

Tamar Singer’s 208 assists this season are a single-season record for the RedHawks. She has recorded 12 assists in a game twice and is on pace to finish her sophomore campaign with a school-record number of career assists.

De Vries’ International Experience

Sophomore Ilse de Vries represented the Netherlands at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket League this summer, averaging 11.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. She is currently having a career year, posting career-best numbers in points, rebounds, and assists.

A Season for the Record Books

Amber Scalia will be playing in her 121st career game on Wednesday. She has scored 1,509 career points and connected on 199 three-pointers.