With both teams owning just two conference wins, Saturday's Miami RedHawks at Ohio Bobcats game had the potential to be a tight contest.
It didn't work out that way as Ohio (11-12, 3-7 MAC) dominated a cold-shooting RedHawks team that connected on just 26.3 percent from the field overall and 20 percent from beyond the arc.
Actually, because the Bobcats . . .
Coleman-Land's bucket was just one of three Miami field goals in the period, with the other two coming in the first three minutes.
For the first half, Ohio shot 52 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and was 5-of-5 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, Miami (9-14, 2-8 MAC) shot 10 percent from the field, 18 percent from three-point range and went 3-of-4 from the free throw line, Ohio out-rebounded the RedHawks, 20-17, while the Bobcats dished out seven assists to Miami's two.
It was a 41-16 game before Ben Vander Plas hit a triple to start Ohio on a 10-4 run. The 'Cats then continued to build on their lead, enjoying a 32-point advantage with 14:07 remaining. Miami later cut its deficit to 19 before falling by the final 77-46 score.
"It's nice," Preston said reguarding the triple double. "Most importantly we got the win. We were on a four game losing streak and to come in here and beat our rival, that's what's most important."
Joining Preston in double figures were Vander Plas (18), Jordan Dartis (11) and Ben Roderick (11).
Dartis, a redshirt senior, became the Bobcats all-time leader in career made 3-pointers after sinking 3-of-6 against MU.
"It's huge," Dartis said on setting the three-point record. "I'm just happy we got the win today. When it comes down the road, I'm going to look back on it and see that it's big time. I'm very appreciative and I'm very humbled. I passed Nick Kellogg. Shout out to him. He's a great OU legend and to pass him, it's a great feeling."
Miami was led by Nike Sibande with 12 points, including 7-of-8 at the free throw line.