Spring Break
'Hawks ground Rockets for 4th straight win
Bobby Lull
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Sports
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The win also extended the RedHawks' winning streak to four games and improved their record to 11-10 overall, and 5-4 in Mid-American Conference play.
Miami now sits just one game behind the University of Akron and Ohio University for second in the MAC East, and just two games behind Kent State University for first.
The RedHawks asserted their will early on both ends of the floor, claiming the lead for good only five minutes into the game. Junior guard Kenny Hayes paced the 'Hawks with 21 points, while senior forward Tim Pollitz added 20 points and 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.
"We played a solid ballgame," Pollitz said. "They're a tough team, but we played really aggressively."
Miami's defensive effort was relentless all night, as the Rockets shot only 32 percent from the field, while the 'Hawks shot an even 50 percent. Even more impressive to Miami Head Coach Charlie Coles than the field goal performance, was Miami's passing. The Red and White assisted on 21 of 32 baskets, while Toledo amassed only two assists for the entire game.
"We were able to play a pretty good game from start to finish," Coles said. "The biggest statistic tonight was 21 assists. That means guys are looking for each other and guys are moving."
The RedHawks' ball movement opened up room for Hayes beyond the 3-point line, where he shot 5-for-8. Hayes' shooting in turn opened space for Pollitz in the low post and the forward displayed his usual array of deft footwork and creativity to gather most of his points near the basket. Pollitz and Hayes combined to shoot 64 percent from the field.
While Pollitz and Hayes led the RedHawks, the team also got solid contributions from junior center Tyler Dierkers and junior guard Eric Pollitz. Dierkers posted eight points and nine rebounds and Pollitz added six points and six assists. Freshman forward Nick Winbush also added a career-high 10 points.
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martha benjamin
posted 2/08/08 @ 8:27 AM EST
great artical very well written
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