Massachusetts women’s basketball secured a narrow 65-64 victory over the Miami RedHawks on February 14 at the Mullins Center. The win marked the first conference loss of the season for Miami (OH), across both men’s and women’s teams.
Chinenye Odenigbo, junior center for the Minutewomen, contributed significantly with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, three rebounds, and a steal. This performance matched her career-high in points for the second time this season. Graduate guard Allie Palmieri also made an impact with 15 points and five defensive rebounds.
The Minutewomen’s defense played a key role in the game, as senior forward Megan Olbrys drew a charge early in the first quarter. The team recorded 28 defensive rebounds and forced a 10-second violation against Miami.
Megan Olbrys began scoring for Massachusetts with a post hook on their opening possession. The lead shifted several times throughout the contest, with UMass holding a slight advantage at halftime. In the third quarter, McKayle extended Massachusetts’ largest lead to nine points following back-to-back three-pointers.
Miami responded with runs of their own but could not hold off Massachusetts in the closing seconds. After Amber Tretter gave Miami a late lead with an and-one play at four seconds remaining, Olbrys raced downcourt to make a layup that secured the one-point win for UMass.
Three Minutewomen—Palmieri (15), Odenigbo (14), Olbrys (12), and McKayle (12)—scored in double digits. The team achieved its highest free throw percentage of the season at 81.8%, making nine out of eleven attempts.
Massachusetts will remain at home to face Toledo on Wednesday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. The game will be available via ESPN+ streaming and updates can be found through umassathletics.com or @UMassWBB on X (Twitter).
