DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Home wasn't so sweet for the Dayton Flyers women's basketball team on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

After six wins in nine straight road games, Dayton stumbled in its home opener at UD Arena, losing 69-66 in overtime to the Miami University RedHawks.

"We were just not mentally there today, and we were not sharp," said Dayton coach Jim Jabir. "We did not take advantage. We should have won it 10 different times and just kept giving it back to them."

A boisterous crowd of 1,701, mostly local school kids participating in "Learning Can Take You Higher When You Do It With Rudy Flyer Day," tried to rally Dayton late but Miami's execution, particularly in overtime, was the difference.

With the score 60-60 after regulation, Miami (6-2) went up 64-61 before senior point guard Jenna Schone nailed a late 3, extending the lead to six. Schone then swished two free throws with 12.5 seconds left to make it 69-66.

Kristin Daugherty's 3-point attempt at the buzzer bounced off the rim, securing the RedHawks' fourth consecutive victory.

"I wish we could have got a win for our fans," said Daugherty, who had 14 points and five rebounds for Dayton. "It's disappointing, but we're definitely going to work hard in practice the next couple days and try to get a win Friday."

Freshman Justine Raterman led Dayton with 18 points (12 in the second half) and 16 rebounds, while Casey Nance chipped in 9 points and 16 boards.

Despite injuring the pinkie finger on her shooting hand, Schone finished with game highs in points (19), assists (6) and steals (3), while making all four free-throw attempts.

Miami coach Maria Fantanarosa said it was apparent Schone wasn't going to leave Dayton without a win.

"She's a special player," said Fantanarosa. "I can't say enough but her. And this wasn't, offensively, a strong game for her. They were physical with her."

Courtney Reed had 13 points and seven rebounds for Miami, while Jaclyn Leininger scored 12 while grabbing six boards.

RedHawks freshman Maggie Boyer added 12 points on four 3s, three coming in the first half to rally Miami.

An early 12-2 run gave Dayton a 14-6 lead. But Boyer came on and calmly nailed the three 3s.

"Them being able to make that run and turn it into a back-and-forth game the rest of the way, that was a backbreaker," added Daugherty.

The meeting was the first between the programs since the Flyers won 76-46 on Dec. 7, 1999.

Fantanarosa is a big proponent of seeing them play. "I love playing the local schools," she said. "I would like to play all four of them every year.

"It makes the atmosphere and the competition so much more fun because we're locals."