The Miami University women’s basketball team is kicking off the New Year with a game against the Toledo Rockets on Saturday, January 3, at 1 p.m.
Key Players
Amber Tretter is making waves, boasting 24 double-doubles in her career. This season, she averages 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Tretter is on track to become the second RedHawk to hit 1,000 career rebounds. So far, she’s scored 823 points, putting her 43rd in the program’s history. Her achievements include being named MAC Player of the Week and twice earning MAC Female Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Miami has multiple players making significant contributions. Amber Scalia leads in scoring with 13.6 points per game, while Tretter, Tamar Singer, and Ilse de Vries also average over 10 points each.
Team Performance
Currently, the RedHawks are fifth in the MAC for scoring (72.2 points) and second in defense (59.9 points), giving them a solid average victory margin of 12.2 points—the third best in the conference. They also boast the top field goal percentage at .445, along with leading in three-pointers made (106). Their turnover margin of 5.1 puts them in a favorable position.
In a recent game against Kent State, Miami secured a 67-63 win with strong performances from three players scoring in double digits. Tamar Singer led the charge with 16 points, followed by Ilse de Vries with 15 and Tretter with 14.
Upcoming Challenges
Toledo arrives at Millett Hall with a 6-5 record and enters the game on a three-game win streak. Their top scorer, Kendall Carruthers, averages 13.8 points per game, while Faith Fedd-Robinson leads in rebounding with 5.9.
Historically, Saturday marks the 77th matchup between these two teams, with Toledo leading the series. Miami last defeated Toledo on February 17, 2021, ending a seven-game losing streak against them.
Three-Point Trends
Despite recent struggles from beyond the arc, where they shot just 24.5% in the past two games, Miami consistently ranks 48th nationally, averaging 8.2 three-pointers per game. They hit double-digit three-pointers in five games this season.
In this season’s non-conference play, Miami achieved one of its best starts since the 2018-19 season, winning eight games before January.
Strong Comeback
While the RedHawks started slow this season, trailing in first quarters, they’ve been strong in subsequent quarters, outscoring opponents in the second, third, and fourth.
With four players scoring over 20 points this season, Miami is performing well. Tretter and Singer each accomplished this feat twice, showing the team’s balanced scoring ability.
Experience on the Roster
Despite bringing in eight new players, Miami’s roster has a wealth of experience, with players combining for 608 games and over 162 double-digit scoring performances.
Rising Star
Tamar Singer, a standout freshman last season, has upped her game this year, averaging 11.7 points and 7.0 assists, ranking her 11th nationally. She’s already recorded two games with over 20 points, far surpassing last year’s performance.
As for records, Singer is close to breaking several passing records. She’s on track for 223 assists this season, way above the program’s season record of 175.
Recent Achievements
Ilse de Vries also had a remarkable summer playing for the Netherlands U20 National Team, averaging 11.1 points and 5.4 rebounds during the FIBA EuroBasket League.
Lastly, Amber Scalia is set to play her 105th career game on Saturday. Before joining Miami, she scored over 1,000 points in three years at St. Thomas.
Looking forward, Miami’s strong roster and impressive start could set them up for continued success in the MAC this season.
