MIAMI BASKETBALL

Bobcat triples sink MU quest to break 'Athens' streak

Late RedHawks challenge comes up short

Eian Elmore nearly reached a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing nine rebounds. (MVSmith/MRO file)

By MIKE SMITH
ATHENS, OH - Ohio connected on 52.9 percent overall  and 51.7 percent from the field, keying a 78-69 win over rival Miami Saturday at the Convocation Center. 

Both teams entered the contest with 5-4 conference records, but the Bobcats strong shooting performance helped them move ahead of Western Michigan and Miami in MAC standings. Ohio is now tied with Bowling Green, who lost to Central Michigan in double overtime Saturday, for fourth place. MU and Western Michigan are tied for fifth. Eight teams qualify for the MAC Tournament.

Much of Saturday's damage came from . . . ​

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. . .  long range as over half of Ohio's field goals came from beyond the arc. The 'Cats made 15 of 29 threes (51.7%) and went 27 of 51 (52.9%) overall. Miami, meanwhile, shot 39.0 percent (23 of 59) from the field and 35.0 percent (7 of 20) on treys. 

Four of five Bobcat starters reached double figures. Jaylin Hunter led the way with 22 points. AJ Clayton drained five threes, accounting for all of his 15 points. Shereef Mitchell knocked down all three of his triples while scoring 16 points, and Miles Brown added 15. 

Eian Elmer (14 points, 9 rebounds) was the only Miami starter in double figures. Anderson Mirambeaux tallied a team high 16 points off the bench, while Bradley Dean contributed 10. 

A 12-0 Miami run put the RedHawks up 19-10 with 12:09 left in the first half. However, Clayton drilled four consecutive threes in a 12-2 Ohio run to move the hosts back in front, 22-21. Six of the Bobcats first eight baskets were triples. 

Miami went up once more (27-25) on a Dean bucket at 6:55, but the Green and White connected on three more treys in a 13-2 run just before finishing the period with a 39-32 edge. 

Ohio expanded its advantage to 12 points midway through the second stanza and led 64-52 after a Clayton three at 7:18. Miami then made its final challenge, scoring nine straight points to pull within three (64-61) at 4:42. 

It appeared MU might get a chance to tie the game after as its defense forced Ohio into a deep desperation shot  at the other end. However, Brown was fouled while launching the try, which wasn't close. He subsequently hit all three free throws. When Mitchell followed with a three, Ohio's lead was back at nine points. Although MU scored eight more, the Bobcats matched them for a 78-69 final.