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Miami sinks archrival in OT

Miami's Tim Pollitz launches a fade-away jump shot over Ohio's center Leon
Miami's Tim Pollitz launches a fade-away jump shot over Ohio's center Leon

Mike Zoller, Staff Writer

Miami's Tim Pollitz launches a fade-away jump shot over Ohio's center Leon (Jeff Creech)

It took an extra five minutes, but the Miami RedHawks (7-10, 3-2 MAC) knocked off archrival Ohio University (12-6, 3-2 MAC) Sunday afternoon at Millett Hall in the 176th meeting between the two programs.

Behind two clutch 3-pointers from guard Doug Penno in overtime, Miami was able to come out with a 72-69 victory.

"I've always had a strong dislike for Ohio," Penno said. "Getting the win today is a great feeling."

The victory left both teams in a three-way tie with Kent State for second place in the MAC East, only trailing Akron's 4-1 conference mark.

Miami started off the game cold from the field, failing to convert until center Monty St. Clair sunk a layup three minutes and 35 seconds into the game.

Once the first bucket fell others started to follow, as the RedHawks' offense gradually gained momentum. The two teams were tied at 18 when Miami made its first big run of the game, finding itself with an early 12-point lead. Ohio was unable to sink a basket for almost six minutes, leaving OU Head Coach Tim O'Shea searching for answers.

"We were very disappointed in the way we played today," O'Shea said. "This is our second OT loss this season and these are games we need to win."

Guard Michael Bramos emerged as the 'Hawks' pacesetter in the first half, knocking down five of his six shots in the opening stanza.

Following a Bobcat timeout, however, the tide of the game shifted quickly and Ohio was able to cut Miami's lead to just fiveat the break.

The second half started out with the RedHawks regaining a double-digit buffer until the RedHawks reverted to the poor shooting that plagued the team in the game's early going.

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"We got past cold shooting and costly turnovers today," said Miami Head Coach Charlie Coles. "We are very fortunate to win that game."

Bramos' hot hand didn't transfer from his first half as he was not getting any friendly bounces and saw several open shots rattle in and out.

"I didn't lose my confidence," Bramos said. "I wasn't missing that badly and I knew that the team needed me to take those open shots when I had them."

Even with Miami piling up the misfires during the second half, its stifling defensive play on two of Ohio's top players kept it in the game.

Both Jerome Tillman and Sonny Troutman - two Bobcats who've proven to be thorns in the RedHawks' side throughout their careers - were kept quiet by the 'Hawks' defensive pressure. The duo shot a combined 8-for-21 from the field and Tillman was bated into three turnovers.

"In my mind (Tillman) has been the best player in the league," Coles said.

The Bobcats did enough to remain within striking distance, however, and with just 2:10 left in the game, Miami lost the lead for the first time since 7:41 in the first half.

With a minute and a half left, Tim Pollitz - who played every minute of the game - hit a layup, sending the game into overtime knotted at 63.

In the extra period, the RedHawks went ahead early and never let go of the lead as Bramos and Penno each hit big shots.

"Penno has figured out that he's our best player and the leader of this team," Coles said. "He's going to have to continue to play well if we want to do well."

After a Pollitz free throw put Miami up by three, a desperate 3-point attempt by Troutman was no good and forward Nate Peavy pulled down the rebound to seal the game.

"Penno, who statistically isn't having a great season, had a great night tonight," O'Shea said.

The victory kept the 'Hawks at a perfect 3-0 in conference games at Millett this season, but Coles knows his team must rise to the occasion outside its Oxford confines to achieve its ultimate goals.

"The key to winning the MAC this season is going to be who can win on the road," Coles said. "We're 'O' for the road right now and we have to go out there and prove ourselves."

The team's next opportunity to test its road mettle comes Wednesday when the RedHawks travel north to take on MAC West opponent Central Michigan. They follow that with a trip to Toledo Saturday to battle the Rockets, the only team still unbeaten in conference action.