Miami Ohio University Athletics
Miami Falls to Western Michigan, 72-55
2/7/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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OXFORD, Ohio -- Miami University's men's basketball team was unable to overcome a tough shooting performance Tuesday evening as it fell to Western Michigan University, 72-55, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Millett Hall.
The RedHawks (9-15, 2-9 MAC) were led in scoring by freshman forward Marcus Weathers with 13 points to go along with a team-high six rebounds. Freshman guard Milos Jovic was also a top contributor with a career-high nine-point outing.
Early in the first half, both teams traded baskets in a closely-contested opening ten minutes, with Miami holding an 18-14 lead at the halfway mark. Western Michigan then took advantage of a six-minute Miami scoring drought, building a 22-18 lead with 4:09 remaining in the half.
With the help of Marcus Weathers, the RedHawks were able to rebound and keep the Broncos (8-15, 4-7) from taking full control. Weathers' foul shots with one second left took the score to 28-24 as the teams headed into the locker room at halftime.
The second half started bright for Miami as Jovic connected from outside on a 3-pointer that narrowed the deficit to 28-27. As Miami once again struggled from the field, WMU continued to keep its distance as it built a 48-37 lead with 9:34 to play in the game.
Sophomore guard Jake Wright soon responded with a 3-pointer that returned the margin to single-digits, but Western Michigan answered with a trey of its own. The Broncos quickly took control of the contest for good, going up 59-44 with just over six minutes remaining.
The RedHawks finished the game 19-for-50 (38.0 percent) from the field and were hurt by 16 turnovers. WMU did not shoot much better at 23-for-60 (38.3 percent), but were helped by 13 offensive rebounds and a 20-for-25 performance from the free throw line.
Miami remains at home on Saturday, Feb. 11 at it hosts Central Michigan at 3:30 p.m. at Millett Hall. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.
