Preview: Struggling Akron Faces MAC Powerhouse Miami (Ohio) in Women’s Basketball

OXFORD, Ohio (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Saturday when the Mid-American Conference-leading Miami (Ohio) Redhawks host the last-place Akron Zips in a women’s basketball matchup at Millett Hall.

The Redhawks (23-5 overall) enter the contest riding high, having won 10 of their last 11 games. Their most recent outing was a commanding 78-60 road victory at Eastern Michigan on Wednesday, fueled by a 25-point performance from standout forward Amber Tretter. Tretter has been a consistent force, averaging 18.4 points over her last seven games, including a 32-point, 13-rebound effort in a win over Georgia Southern on Feb. 7.

Conversely, the Zips (7-21) are mired in a difficult season and are looking to rebound from a 55-88 loss at Ball State on Wednesday. Akron has lost three of its last four, though its lone win in that stretch was a dramatic 108-105 double-overtime victory over Ohio on Feb. 18.

Akron will rely on guard Keiryn McGuff, who scored 22 points in that overtime win and is averaging 12.4 points over her last five contests. The Zips will need a similar high-output performance from her to challenge the conference’s top team.

The previous meeting this season underscores the challenge ahead for Akron. On Jan. 10 in Akron, Miami (Ohio) delivered a decisive 79-56 victory. The Redhawks’ defense, which has held opponents to an average of 58.2 points during their 10-1 run, will aim to replicate that dominance.

For Miami (Ohio), the game represents a critical step toward securing the top seed for the upcoming MAC tournament. For Akron, it is an opportunity to play spoiler and build momentum in the final weeks of the regular season.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon. Miami (Ohio) will host Kent State next Wednesday, while Akron returns home to face Massachusetts on March 4.