RedHawks fall to Kent State

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KENT — In a physical contest, Kent State used a late second half run to knock off the Miami University men’s basketball team, 76-72, on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The RedHawks fall to 10-16 overall and 3-10 in the MAC. The Golden Flashes improve to 14-17 overall and 6-7 in the MAC.

Miami led for the entire first half, but a 50-point effort by Kent State in the second half allowed it to pull ahead midway through the second period.

Freshman guard Michael Weathers had another strong effort for the RedHawks, finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in 35 minutes of action. Two others recorded double-doubles for MU. Freshman forward Marcus Weathers had 18 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes, while junior forward Logan McLane finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.

It started out well for Miami as redshirt sophomore guard Jake Wright drained a three-pointer, while Michael Weathers found McLane for back-to-back layups as the Red and White built a 10-4 lead. A three-pointer from Marcus Weathers and another layup by McLane gave Miami a 17-8 advantage with 11:59 remaining in the half.

Kent State pulled to within two before Michael and Marcus Weathers put shots in to get the RedHawk offense moving again. Miami was able to get its advantage as big as six points, but the Golden Flashes made it a one point contest at 27-26 with 1:02 to go. Michael Weathers made one free throw, while junior forward Rod Mills Jr. hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send the RedHawks into the break leading, 31-26.

Freshman center Darius Harper hit a layup and junior guard Abdoulaye Harouna shot one in from deep behind the arc as the teams traded buckets to begin the second half. An old-fashioned three-point play by Harper gave Miami a 41-34 lead with 15:32 to go. The Golden Flashes responded with a 10-2 run to take the lead for the first time at 44-43 at the 12:34 mark.

The lead changed three times until a Wright triple made it 48-46 RedHawks. Kent State then went on a 21-9 run to take its largest lead at 67-57 with 4:50 remaining.

Miami did not give up as a dunk from Marcus Weathers, two free throws from Michael Weathers and a layup by McLane pulled the `Hawks to within four with 2:52 to go. With 28 seconds remaining, Michael Weathers scored on a three-point play to make it 73-70. The Golden Flashes turned it over trying to inbound the ball giving the RedHawks one more chance. MU’s three-point attempt was short and KSU hit its free throws to secure the 76-72 victory.

Miami finished the game 26-for-56 (46.4 percent) from the field, while the Golden Flashes were 26-for-63 (41.3 percent). The RedHawks held a 36-33 rebounding advantage for the contest. Kent State was led by senior forward Jimmy Hall with 21 points.

Miami continues its road trip when it heads to Buffalo Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. tip.

R-H Staff

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