(SCOTT ALLISON | The Miami Student)
The Miami University men's basketball team (2-3) lost another close game Tuesday against the University of Cincinnati (4-2) by a final score of 56-47. Senior forward Julian Mavunga once again led the RedHawks with a dynamic 26 point, 12 rebound performance.
Mavunga scored his 1,000th-career point as a member of the RedHawks Tuesday night and also notched his 10th career 20-point game and his 17th career double-double. Mavunga is leading the team in points and rebounds on the year, averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds per game. He is also second on the team in assists, racking up nearly three assists per game.
"If we can keep him playing well, we won't be far away from being a good team," Head Coach Charlie Coles said. "We still struggle with running plays, but we're improving on how to get him the ball where he wants it."
Coles again cited turnovers as the main problem for the 'Hawks. Miami had 15 turnovers in the game against their in-state rivals and the Red and White were only able to score 47 points despite shooting a respectable 47.5 percent from the floor.
Despite the team's overall offensive struggles, the RedHawks were within two points of the Bearcats late in the game. Coles has been encouraged by Miami's defense.
"Our defense is getting better," Coles said. "We're doing a real good job on that end [of the court] and our confidence level is increasing."
Sophomore forward Jon Harris was second on the team in scoring with eight points. The team's lack of balance is an issue that Coles plans on addressing in the near future. Redshirt sophomore Bill Edwards, who was held scoreless against Cincinnati, will be integrated more into the offense to help boost the 'Hawks offense.
The RedHawks will travel to the University of Troy on Saturday looking to even up their season record at 3-3. Miami was victorious against the Trojans at home last season 80-73. The Red and White return home after the game against Troy to face-off against in-state foe Wright State University at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10.
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