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All good things must come to an end.
The Miami University Men's Basketball team found this out Tuesday night, falling to the Central Michigan
University Chippewas 57-55. The Chippewas (7-15) put the brakes on the 'Hawks four-game win streak with the narrow victory.
"We didn't come out to play and weren't as ready as we should have been," forward Michael Bramos said. "We got down in the second half and by the time we fought back it was too late. They just out-hustled us in the second half. They got a lot more
offensive rebounds and put backs. That was probably the key to the game. We need to bring more energy. Come out play tougher and a lot harder than we did today."
Central Michigan Guard Jordan Bitzer sank a short jump shot with about 30 seconds remaining in the game to claim a 56-55 lead over the visiting RedHawks (14-8). The Red and White still had one last chance with seven
seconds left but center Adam Fletcher's shot was off-target and quickly pulled down for a clutch Chippewa rebound. A late free throw made the score final and handed Miami a two-point loss.
Miami senior Michael Bramos broke loose for 24 points. It marked the first time Bramos reached the 20-point mark in the last seven games. Tyler Dierkers scored 10 points to play the role of Robin to Bramos's Batman, as they were the only RedHawks to reach double digits offensively.
"When we came down the stretch we didn't play very well on offense," coach Charlie Coles said. "Sixteen turnovers. Central held on to the ball some. I think the bench did what they could do, but none of us played well tonight. It was just one of those nights. When we did get the lead we made some mistakes. They fought harder than us tonight."
The 'Hawks left the nets on fire heading into the locker room at halftime, shooting 60 percent as a team. The offensive productivity left the Red and White with a 28-27 lead. The
Chippewas took the court with force, propelling past the 'Hawks with a 12-3 second half run. The run gave the home team their biggest lead of the game, 39-31. The second half set the table for a night of drama as the RedHawks roared back to take the lead late on an Antonio Ballard jumper. A lack of consistency was evident, as the Miami offense fumbled opportunities, as well as the basketball.
Stout interior defense was just not enough to hold a Chippewa offense that shot 6-15 from downtown. The tandem of Marcus Van, 18 points, and Jordan Bitzer, 13 points, overpowered the Red and White.
"We have to be ready to play," Coles said. "We have to shake this off and be ready to play. We have to remember the things that we didn't do. We have to concentrate on the things that we can do and that we have been doing well."
Even with the loss, Miami remains in second place in the Mid American Conference East Division. The Red and White now sit two games out of first place. The win by CMU ends a streak of 30 wins by MAC East teams, as well as a 27 game losing streak for all MAC West teams.
Miami will end its schedule of directional Michigan opponents on Saturday. The 'Hawks will attempt to avenge this loss against the Western Michigan University Broncos at 7 p.m. in Millett Hall. The game will follow the women's basketball game as part of a Valentine's Day double header.
