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OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University Men's Basketball team could not overcome a poor shooting day from the field, falling to the Northern Kentucky University Norse 79-70 on Sunday to conclude the Tarkett Sports Classic. The RedHawks fall to 2-3 on the season, while the Norse improve to 3-2.

Michael Weathers continued the fast start to his Miami career, leading all scorers with 31 points on the day. Jake Wright was the only other scorer in double digits for the RedHawks, tallying 11 points. NKU was led by Lavone Holland II and Drew McDonald, scoring 25 and 23 points respectively.

The RedHawks started the game on a 6-0 run over the first 3:17, fueled by two Michael Weathers' layups. The Norse responded with an 11-5 run, tying the game on a pair of free throws by McDonald. Miami later took a 24-20 lead with 6:46 left on a Wright trey, but then an 0-for-6 effort from the field allowed for the Norse to go on a 14-4 run and build a 34-28 lead by halftime. Miami's four points during the stretch came by way of free throws from Michael Weathers and Rod Mills Jr., the last of which came with 2:15 remaining in the half.

The first half was highlighted by poor ball security for both teams with the Norse committing 10 turnovers and the RedHawks giving it away nine times. Michael Weathers led the RedHawks with 10 points in the first half while Holland II paced the Norse with 12 in the first period. NKU dominated the glass in the first half, outrebounding Miami 20-12.

Miami's shooting slump extended into the second half as it did not connect from the field until 15:31 left in the half on a Dion Wade layup, making the score 38-34. Miami was able to stay in the game largely due to a shooting slump by the Norse that spanned 5:27 of the second half.

The RedHawks cut the deficit to three with 9:31 remaining in the half on an athletic finish at the rim by Michael Weathers, but two treys by Cole Murray extended the Norse lead to 56-47 with 8:16 left in the contest.

NKU extended its lead to 11 with 5:01 left by way of a Holland II three-pointer, but Miami would counter with a 7-0 run punctuated by a Michael Weathers' dunk to make the score 61-57 with 3:44 left.

Miami would once again go cold, converting only four field goals in the final 3:52 allowing the Norse to hold on for the victory.

The RedHawks shot 42 percent from the field and 26 percent (5-for-19) from behind the arc. The Norse shot 45 percent from the field as well as 43 percent (9-for-21) from deep. NKU won the rebound battle 38-31, and both teams were able to take care of the ball better in the second half with each team committing only five turnovers in the second half.

Michael Weathers became the first RedHawk to score 30 points in a game since Michael Bramos scored 34 against Kent State in 2009.

The RedHawks return to action on Saturday when they host Western Illinois. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and it will air live on ESPN3.

2016 Tarkett Sports Classic All-Tournament Team
Josh Robinson (MVP) - Austin Peay
Michael Weathers - Miami
Drew McDonald - NKU
Lavone Holland II - NKU
Kenny Jones - Austin Peay
Cazmon Hayes - Delaware