MRO PRE-MAC PLAY CHECK: Miami RedHawks

Editor’s Note: This is part of a series checking on MAC teams before they enter conference play. All rankings are MAC, unless otherwise noted)

COACH: John Cooper  (4th season, 35-59 over three seasons at Miami)
2014 RECORD: 13-19 overall, 8-10 MAC
MAC TOURNEY:
Lost in first round to Eastern Michigan, 62-61
LEFT THE BUILDING
►The RedHawks biggest departure was senior Will Sullivan. His 10.7 points and 4.8 rebounds were just a fraction of his contributions as a leader. He also led those with 20 or more minutes a game in field goal (48.4) and free throw (81.2) percentage.
BACK FOR MORE:
► Miami returns a veteran lineup (8), led by senior point guard Eric Washington, an All-MAC honoree (second team) adept at penetrating for points, dishing for shots or getting to the free throw line. Washington led MU with an average of 14.2 ppg last year, when he connected on 45.1 percent from the floor and 79.5 percent at the charity stripe.
►  Geovonie McKnight, a 6-3 guard, bumped his average up to 10.5 ppg last year.  His slashing style on offense and defensive capabilities are typically a part of Miami wins.
 
2015-16 RECORD: 6-6
► The RedHawks have been . . .

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 . . .  on a roller-coaster through December’s play, never winning, nor losing, more than two games in a row. Much of the struggles have occurred on the road. Miami has played four games on the road and lost all four.
>> Two of the road losses actually came despite relatively strong performances. Miami lost its opener at Xavier (now No. 6 nationally) by an 81-72 count  and recently dropped a 64-63 decision at area rival Dayton when the Flyers hit a well-contested shot with two seconds remaining.
 
OTHER:
► The RedHawks are last among MAC teams in scoring offense (65.8 ppg) and fourth in scorng defense (65.9 ppg). They are last in scoring margin (-0.1).
► Free throws are a strength for MU, which is second among MAC teams with a 74.1 percent success rate.
► Miami is ninth in field goal percentage (42.7%) and has struggled from the perimeter. The RedHawks are next to last (31.2%) in 3-point shooting percentage and 3-point goals made (63)
► Miami is last in rebounding margin (-1.9), last rebounds (388 total, 32.3 per fame) , while allowing 34.2 rpg (fifth)
► Pressure defense has been a key on most successful outings. The RedHawks are third in steals (7.7 per game). Miami is also third in turnover margin (+3.08).
► Two RedHawks average in double figures: Washington (13.7 ppg) and McKnight (11.3 ppg). Washington leads the team in free throws attempted (66) and free throws made (55). He is also leading the team in 3-point attempts (37) and goals (15).  His 21 steals tops the team and he has chipped in 38 rebounds (tied for second on the squad)
► LJ Livingston leads MU in rebounds (62 total, 5.2 rpg).
► Jere Vucica, a 6-9 forward from Croatia, shows promise through Miami’s first six games, but has been sidelined since that time. Livingston has been the primary inside scorer in recent games. He is up to 20.6 minutes pergame and is averaging 7.5 ppg., along with 5.2 rpg.

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