Jan. 23, 2011
Final Stats
KENT, Ohio - Senior forward
Nick Winbush posted his second straight double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds on Sunday. But 22 turnovers resulting in 27 points proved costly as Miami University's men's basketball team suffered a 78-57 loss at Kent State (12-7; 3-2 Mid-American Conference).
Junior guard Chris McHenry and sophomore guard Orlando Williams also reached double figures in scoring with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The RedHawks (8-11; 3-2 MAC) were without two starters--junior forward Julian Mavunga and freshman guard Quinten Rollins-- who were both were suffering from foot injuries.
Over the first four minutes of the game, Miami jumped out to a 9-2 lead off jumpers by senior forward Antonio Ballard, sophomore center Vince Legarza and Winbush along with a 3-pointer from McHenry. In the next minute, Kent State closed the gap to two points, but Miami extended its lead to six with 12:59 to play in the first half off a jumper by Legarza and a layup from sophomore guard Allen Roberts, 13-7.
The RedHawks held a 22-18 advantage off a Winbush jumper at 8:59, but Miami had eight turnovers over the next four minutes as the Golden Flashes went on a 15-0 flurry to capture a 33-22 lead by the 4:57 mark. Miami was able to close within four with 3:09 remaining, 33-29, aided by a McHenry jumper, a Williams 3-pointer and a pair of Ballard free throws. Kent State, however, scored six points to close out the first half and carried a 39-29 lead into the intermission.
The Golden Flashes quickly pushed their lead to 17 points early in the second half, going up 49-32 with 17:02 to play. A McHenry 3-pointer with 13:50 remaining got Miami within 12 points, 51-39, but that would be as close as the RedHawks would get. Kent State led by as many as 22 in the second half before capturing the 21-point win.
In addition to his 13 points, McHenry added a career-high six assists to lead all players. Legarza made his first career start and had a career-high five rebounds, recorded his first career assist and tied career highs of four points and one steal. He played a career-most 17 minutes. Redshirt freshman Drew McGhee came off the bench to play a career-high 18 minutes and had a career-most four rebounds.
Miami continues a two-game road stretch when the RedHawks travel to Central Michigan for a 7 p.m. game on Thursday, Jan. 27 before turning around to host Western Michigan at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29 for "Throwback Saturday."
