MIAMI BASKETBALL

MU beats odds to knock off Buffalo

RedHawks overcome fouls, turnovers 

Mekhi Lairy's multi-skill set and experience was a key to Miami's first conference win of the season. (MVSmith/MRO)

By MIKE SMITH
OXFORD, OH -- If somebody had asked Miami Head Coach Travis Steele how he liked his chances in an upcoming game if he knew three starters would foul out and his team would commit 22 turnovers, he likely wouldn't have been very optimistic. Add in that the opponent would be a 2-0 (MAC) Buffalo squad that ranked fifth in the nation in fast break points, and the odds would go down even further. 

Odds be darned, however, as the RedHawks overcame it all to knock off Buffalo 91-80 Tuesday at Millett Hall. Four RedHawks reached double figures, with Mekhi Lairy leading the way. He scored 20 points, dished out 11 assists and grabbed seven rebounds while playing nearly 39 minutes. 

Anderson Mirambeaux also . . .

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. . . recorded a double-double, tallying 18 points while grabbing 11 rebounds. Ryan Mabry hit 5-of-7 3-point attempts on the way to 15 points and Kamari Williams chipped in 14.

Yazid Powell led the Bulls with 20 points, followed by Armoni Foster (19) and Curtis Jones (12). 

Miami held a 37-34 halftime lead despite committing 11 turnovers before intermission.  The RedHawks had also been whistled for nine fouls, but no MU player had more than two fouls after 20 minutes. That changed quickly when play resumed.

Yazid Powell drives against Julian Lewis. Powell led the Bulls with 20 points. (MVSmith/MRO)

As happened Saturday against Kent State, Miami committed several quick turnovers and fouls to start the second half. The flurry of fouls continued, with Buffalo relentlessly driving to the hoop. "They do a great job of getting their guys to run the floor . . . (and) when they drive the ball, they drive . . .  with aggression." 

The result was both points and fouls on Miami starters. The Bulls would finish the night with 46 points in the paint. Another 18 points came at the free throw line. 

Buffalo began shooting the double bonus at 10:25 and had 27 second half opportunities at the stripe. However, the Bulls  made just 16 (59.3%) and were 23-of-36 (60.5%) on their free throws overall.  Miami had 17 less chances but hit 18-of-21 (85.7%) of its charity tosses. 

As the fouls mounted up, several Miami players had to spend time on the bench. Among them was Mabry, a 6-5 freshman guard who was providing MU with some length and scoring. He eventually played just 22:22 before fouling out. Two more starters -- both more experienced -- also were disqualified on fouls. Mirambeaux played 28:12, while Morgan Safford was limited to 24:39 due to fouls and an ankle injury. 

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Anderson Mirambeaux contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds for the RedHawks. (MVSmith/MRO)

Thanks to Lairy, a 5-8 senior point guard, and some solid shooting (55.2% from the field; 50.0% on treys) in the final period, MU was able to hold off Buffalo's challenge.

"We ended up just putting the ball in (Mekhi's) hands a lot towards the end," Steele said. "He was tremendous. He was the best player on the floor."

The Bulls tied the game at 59-all with 10:42 remaining when Curtis Jones made one of two free throws from a technical foul on Miami. However, Julian Lewis drained a three at the other end to start a 10-2 Miami run. 

"Getting Julian Lewis back (from injury) for us is big," said Steele, who noted the 6-6 sophomore provides depth, which was particularly helpful given MU's foul woes. 

The closest Buffalo could get down the strtch was three points (74-71 at 4:44). Miami again responded to the challenge and grabbed its largest lead of the night, 85-71, with 2:28 to play. It remained a double-digit lead through the final horn. 

"They did a great job of sticking together through adverse times," Steele said of his team. 

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Above, Jim Whitesell directs his Buffalo Bulls against Miami. At right, Kamari Williams puts up a three from the corner. (MVSmith/MRO)