OXFORD, Ohio --Jordan Dartis scored 18 of his 21 game points in the second half as Ohio rallied past Miami 75-66 Friday at Millett Hall.
The RedHawks were up 35-32 at intermission, but they could not get more than four points ahead as the rivals exchanged leads and registered five ties in the second half. Nearly eight minutes into the final frame, Ohio made its move.
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When Dartis answered . . .
That put the visitors up 59-51 with 9:31 remaining. They led by nine on three occasions, including the final score. Miami could get no closer than four. The last time was at 3:49 following a Nike Sibande triple, which made it a 67-63 game.
Just over a minute later, MU forward Bam Bowman was hit with a foul and head coach Jack Owens was then assessed a technical foul. Three free throws later, Ohio owned a 70-63 advantage. Miami never got closer than six points the rest of the way.
Jalen Adaway tossed in 13 points and Brown posted a double double with 10 points and 10 caroms. Senior Logan McLane connected on 4 of 5 from the field on the way to 10 points on senior night.
Joining Laster and Dartis in double figures for Ohio was forward Doug Taylor, who tallied 10 points, grabbed nine rebounds and registered three blocks. Freshman Kevin Mickle chipped in eight markers.
Much of Ohio’s damage came inside, with the ‘Cats holding a 36-24 advantage in points in the paint. That included a 12-2 edge in second chance points.
Both those areas benefitted from a 39-26 Ohio advantage on the boards.
- Miami shot 37.5 percent in the second half and 41.5 percent (22 of 52) for the game. The RedHawks were 9 of 29 (31% on treys).
- Ohio was good on 50 percent (22 of 54) of its shots from the floor and 43.8 percent (7 of 16) on treys.
- Ohio hit 14 of 21 charity tosses (66.7%), while Miami netted 13 of 22 (59.1%).
- Miami registered 11 turnovers to 17 for the visiting Bobcats. MU also owned an 18-9 advantage in points off turnovers.
- MU seniors Logan McLane and Rod Mills were honored after the game in Senior Night ceremonies.
- Ohio won for the fourth time in the last five games. That stretch started with a 92-87 overtime win over MU in Athens.
- Miami is guaranteed a home game Monday in opening round play of the MAC Tournament. However, the opponent was unclear, given a postponement of Western Michigan at Central Michigan tilt Friday.
- Ohio will be on the road Monday in opening round action. Several sites were in play.