By MIKE SMITH
ATHENS, Ohio -- The Battle of the Bricks has been a one-sided affair as of late, with Ohio winning 11 of the last 12 meetings entering Saturday’s matchup at the Convocation Center.
Thanks to an overtime 11-2 Ohio run and some inconsistent Miami offense, the Bobcats added another brick to their pile with a 92-87 win over MU Saturday.
Ohio actually . . .
ATHENS, Ohio -- The Battle of the Bricks has been a one-sided affair as of late, with Ohio winning 11 of the last 12 meetings entering Saturday’s matchup at the Convocation Center.
Thanks to an overtime 11-2 Ohio run and some inconsistent Miami offense, the Bobcats added another brick to their pile with a 92-87 win over MU Saturday.
Ohio actually . . .
Jordan Dartis had a game-high 23 points, including a key basket in Ohio's overtime rally. (OU Athletics) . . . dominated much of the contest, but it could not shake the rival RedHawks, who jumped out to an early 9-2 lead. The visitors were up 12-6 before Ohio ran off nine straight points.
After Rod Mills hit one of eight Miami first half 3-point goals senior Mike Laster put the ‘Cats in front 19-18 with a basket at 12:22. Ohio would stay in front for nearly the rest of regulation play. OU was up 38-24 before Miami closed the half with an 11-5 run to close with eight at 43-35.
Ohio helped itself in the period by shooting 60.7 percent overall, sinking 17 of 29 shots and 3 of 6 treys. Miami made 12 of 31 (38.7%), but was good on 8 of 17 3-point attempts due to a strong start and strong finish.
Meanwhile, Ohio thrived inside, scoring 22 points in the paint before intermission and adding another 28 inside over the remaining action.
The hosts went up by 15 on several occasions in the second half, threatening to put the ‘Hawks away. Miami, however, stormed back late. Forward Bam Bowman’s steal on the perimeter and subsequent layup pulled MU within one at 78-77.
Junior Gavin Block, who bounced back from a scoreless performance against Toledo Tuesday with 16 points against Miami, hit one of two free throws to give Ohio a two-point lead.
Nike Sibande was fouled at the other end and sank both free throws with 2.4 seconds left to tie the contest and regulation closed with the teams deadlocked at 79.
The visitors continued their momentum as the game moved into overtime. Bowman provided two baskets before Mickles scored from underneath.
Mills restored the RedHawks four-point advantage by muscling in a shot in heavy traffic, but he missed the and-one free throw. It was Miami’s last field goal.
Jordan Dartis started the ‘Cats comeback with a triple from the elbow after a steal by Block. Although the two teams finished at 16 turnovers apiece, Ohio was able to capitalize on a pair of overtime miscues by Miami. Key turnovers also hurt MU in a recent comeback attempt at Eastern Michigan.
Two Sibande free throws gave the RedHawks their last lead, 87-86, Dartis then restored Ohio’s advantage with a layup and the ‘Cats took advantage of a Miami turnover with 22 ticks remaining to end the visitors last threat. Dartis added a bucket and Kirk knocked down two free throws for the final 92-87 margin.
"Man, when shots are falling, and we're playing good defense, there's no better feeling than that," said Dartis. "Just getting a win at the end of the day, that's all that matters to us. Just trying to be consistent and getting wins at the end of the season."
Dartis led all scorers with 23 points, including 3 of 4 from byond the arc. Joining him in double figures were Kirk (18), Block (16), Mickle (12) and Doug Taylor (10 points, nine rebounds).
Miami got 22 points (and 10 boards) form Sibande, 16 points apiece from Dalonte Brown and Ringo, along with 11 points by Bowman.
NEXT:
Both teams return to action Tuesday. Miami will attempt to break its four-game skid when it hosts MAC leader Buffalo in Oxford. Ohio entertains Kent State. Both games tip at 7 p.m.
After Rod Mills hit one of eight Miami first half 3-point goals senior Mike Laster put the ‘Cats in front 19-18 with a basket at 12:22. Ohio would stay in front for nearly the rest of regulation play. OU was up 38-24 before Miami closed the half with an 11-5 run to close with eight at 43-35.
Ohio helped itself in the period by shooting 60.7 percent overall, sinking 17 of 29 shots and 3 of 6 treys. Miami made 12 of 31 (38.7%), but was good on 8 of 17 3-point attempts due to a strong start and strong finish.
Meanwhile, Ohio thrived inside, scoring 22 points in the paint before intermission and adding another 28 inside over the remaining action.
The hosts went up by 15 on several occasions in the second half, threatening to put the ‘Hawks away. Miami, however, stormed back late. Forward Bam Bowman’s steal on the perimeter and subsequent layup pulled MU within one at 78-77.
Junior Gavin Block, who bounced back from a scoreless performance against Toledo Tuesday with 16 points against Miami, hit one of two free throws to give Ohio a two-point lead.
Nike Sibande was fouled at the other end and sank both free throws with 2.4 seconds left to tie the contest and regulation closed with the teams deadlocked at 79.
The visitors continued their momentum as the game moved into overtime. Bowman provided two baskets before Mickles scored from underneath.
Mills restored the RedHawks four-point advantage by muscling in a shot in heavy traffic, but he missed the and-one free throw. It was Miami’s last field goal.
Jordan Dartis started the ‘Cats comeback with a triple from the elbow after a steal by Block. Although the two teams finished at 16 turnovers apiece, Ohio was able to capitalize on a pair of overtime miscues by Miami. Key turnovers also hurt MU in a recent comeback attempt at Eastern Michigan.
Two Sibande free throws gave the RedHawks their last lead, 87-86, Dartis then restored Ohio’s advantage with a layup and the ‘Cats took advantage of a Miami turnover with 22 ticks remaining to end the visitors last threat. Dartis added a bucket and Kirk knocked down two free throws for the final 92-87 margin.
"Man, when shots are falling, and we're playing good defense, there's no better feeling than that," said Dartis. "Just getting a win at the end of the day, that's all that matters to us. Just trying to be consistent and getting wins at the end of the season."
Dartis led all scorers with 23 points, including 3 of 4 from byond the arc. Joining him in double figures were Kirk (18), Block (16), Mickle (12) and Doug Taylor (10 points, nine rebounds).
Miami got 22 points (and 10 boards) form Sibande, 16 points apiece from Dalonte Brown and Ringo, along with 11 points by Bowman.
NEXT:
Both teams return to action Tuesday. Miami will attempt to break its four-game skid when it hosts MAC leader Buffalo in Oxford. Ohio entertains Kent State. Both games tip at 7 p.m.
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