The Thundering Herd ends the season at 8-20 overall and 2-14 in MAC play. 

The loss marked the third time Marshall has fallen to Miami this season, including an 85-78 setback Feb. 22. 

Marshall Coach Juliene Simpson said despite the outcome, she was pleased with the team's play. 

"I'm really proud of the girls," Simpson said. "They worked hard, but they just couldn't close the deal." 

The Thundering Herd was led by the 17 points of senior guard Brandy Robertson, the only remaining player from the 1996 Marshall Southern Conference Championship Team. 

Junior forward Yashico Stevens poured in 16 points in the effort. She was followed by junior forward Toni Patillo with 13 points. 

Robertson said the thought of returning to the NCAA Tournament was what inspired her strong play. 

"I'm the only one on the team who knows what it feels like to go to the NCAA Tournament," she said. "That's all I was thinking about last night. I didn't want it to be my last game. 

"I always play hard, but last night [Monday] something was in me and I just tried to get out there and lead the team and tried to help us win." 

Robertson's effort wouldn't be enough to secure the win. 

Miami, behind 12 first-half points from Heather Cusick, jumped on Marshall early, taking a 19-2 lead with 14:33 to play in the first half. The Thundering Herd pulled within 11 at 38-27 with 3:23 left in the half, but the Redhawks scored the next six points to take a 44-27 lead into the locker room. 

Miami came out strong after the break, taking a 51-31 lead just over three minutes into the half. Marshall answered with a run of its own, as it fought its way back into the game at 61-57 with 6:06 to play. 

The Redhawks proved to be too much though, winning the game 78-68. 

Simpson said although the season didn't end the way she hoped, Marshall would be in a good position next year. 

"This was our first MAC Tournament game," she said. "Once you experience a playoff game, it's a tremendous plus. Next year we'll be able to get the feel for what has to be done. 

"We know now that it has to be done today. You can't wait until tomorrow."