“After losing two straight games, the women’s basketball team (16-12) defeated the Miami RedHawks (8-20) on Saturday 72-65. We won, which is the most important thing, Zips head coach Jodi Kest said. Point guard Ayla Guzzardo started the game out with a three-pointer and the Zips went on to score the first seven points of the game.”
“

After losing two straight games, the women’s basketball team (16-12) defeated the Miami RedHawks (8-20) on Saturday 72-65.

We won, which is the most important thing, Zips head coach Jodi Kest said.

Point guard Ayla Guzzardo started the game out with a three-pointer and the Zips went on to score the first seven points of the game.

Courtney Osborn of the RedHawks scored the first points for her team, draining a three-pointer.

The RedHawks kept the first half close, but were never able to contend with the Zips, who kept the lead the entire first half.

The Zips went into halftime with the lead 37-30.

Both teams were evenly matched in the paint in the first half, with 16 points each.

Jolene Tamboue led the Zips in scoring in the first half with 10 points, while Courtney Osborn led the RedHawks with 14 points.

The Zips’ reserves scored nine points in the first half while the RedHawks’ counterparts scored two points.

The RedHawks came out in the second half with something to prove, going on a 7-0 run which put the game at 38-37.

Ashleigh Brown scored the first points of the second half for the RedHawks.

With only 14 minutes and 56 seconds left in regulation the RedHawks took their first lead of the game going ahead of the Zips 42-40 with a three pointer by Courtney Osborn.

The RedHawks kept the lead until the Zips’ Kara Murphy tied up the game to 51 with 10 minutes left in regulation.

After Murphy’s layup, the Zips led for the rest of the game, and eventually took home another Mid American Conference victory.

Jolene Tamboue of the Zips got her fifth double-double as she recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds against the RedHawks.

If you can find me another Jolene Tamboue, please do. She gives us effort, she gives us a sense of urgency and she knows her collegiate days are almost over, but she has given us that energy all year, so we don’t accept anything less from her, Kest said.

The Zips had four players score in double digits against the RedHawks: Tamboue (18 pts), center Kyle Baumgartner (13 pts), Murphy (13 pts) and Guzzardo (11 pts).

I think anytime you have four players in double digits you’re a solid team. We usually score in the 60 point range and we scored 72 today, so I am very pleased with our offensive output, Kest said.

The RedHawks had three players score in double digits: Kristen Olowinski (20 pts), Osborn (17 pts) and Maggie Boyer (12 pts).

I thought Osborn and Olowinski played terrific, but we knew the RedHawks were going to come in and play a hard-fought game, Kest said.

The last time the Zips will play at home this season will be Tuesday against the Ohio Bobcats.

Tuesday night’s game will be senior night and the Zips will recognize senior team captains Ayla Guzzardo and Jolene Tamboue. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

“