Spring Break
MU stumbles in defense of MAC crown
Ben Garbarek
Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: Sports
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The RedHawks fought their way to the semifinals of the MAC Tournament and later earned their fourth consecutive postseason berth with a ticket to the inaugural College Basketball Invitation (CBI).
Still playing without head coach Charlie Coles and also without outstanding forward Michael Bramos, Miami's season came to an end with a 61-45 loss to Tulsa in the opening round of the CBI.
"We were playing for Coach (Coles)," said associate head coach Jermaine Henderson.
Before the start of the MAC Tournament, the players met with their leader for the first time since he left the sidelines March 1.
Henderson, who has filled in for Coles during his absence, said the meeting was inspirational for all involved.
"Never underestimate the relationship between a player and coach," Henderson said. "It was exciting for everyone. Coach (Coles) broke down after seeing them. It was bittersweet because we haven't seen him in a while and (we knew) he was not coming with us to the MAC Tournament."
Henderson said Coles plans on returning next season and hopes the offseason will give him ample time to recover. Coles underwent an unspecified heart procedure. The 66-year-old coach has a history of heart troubles with bypass surgery in 1986 as well as going into cardiac arrest at the MAC tournament in 1998.
Motivated by their recovering coach, the RedHawks faced the University at Buffalo in the first round of the MAC Tournament.
Despite handling the Bulls easily during the regular season, Miami had to battle Buffalo down to the wire to avoid their upset bid with a 69-68 win.
After surviving its opening contest, the Red and White notched a 74-61 victory over rival Ohio thanks to Bramos' second consecutive 23-point effort.
"We were just prepared," said junior guard Eric Pollitz. "We executed our game plan."
Despite the slightly lopsided score, Miami overcame a nine-point deficit in the first three minutes of play and an uncharacteristically poor performance from First Team All-MAC forward Tim Pollitz. The lone Miami senior finished with only four points after shooting two of 11 from the field.
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