Women’s basketball wins sixth straight home game

The CMU women’s basketball team bounced back after having its four-game winning streak snapped earlier in the week, defeating Miami University 96-86 Saturday at Rose Arena.

The win, its sixth consecutive at home, improves CMU to 8-12 overall and 5-3 in the Mid-American Conference.

“It’s a win – we’re taking care of business here at home,” said coach Sue Guevara.

Four players scored in double-figures for the Chippewas, including junior forward Kaihla Szunko’s 23 points and a season-high 16 rebounds — her seventh double-double of the season.

CMU did not have a lead in the first half and trailed 44-41 at halftime. But the Chippewas were able to hang around by outrebounding the RedHawks 22-12 and getting to the free-throw line 17 times.

Foul trouble plagued Miami (5-15, 3-5 MAC) in the second half – the Chippewas went to the line another 32 times – and CMU shot an improved 51.7 percent from the floor to finally take the lead and command of the game.

CMU outrebounded Miami 44-25.

“It’s nice to win a game and we actually outrebound an opponent,” Guevara said.

Senior forward Britni Houghton, who came off the bench for the first time this season, scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

“It was nice to see her come back after a really tough game against Kent State,” Guevara said.

Junior guard Shonda Long had 25 points on 7-of-16 shooting while freshman guard Rachel Mauk added 11 points, her second consecutive game in double figures.

Maggie Boyer led Miami with a game-high 29 points.

CMU continues MAC East play at 7 p.m. Thursday when it travels to Akron.

Check Monday’s CM Life for complete coverage of the game.