Miami Student

Issue date: 3/23/07 Section: Sports

Junior Tim Pollitz shoots over Akron's Romeo Travis in the championship game of the MAC Tournament. Pollitz was named the MVP after the game.

Although the clock struck midnight on the RedHawks' Cinderella story, Miami enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in recent years.

"We saved the best for last," Head Coach Charlie Coles said. "We proved we were a darn good team."

Miami secured its first invitation to the big dance since 1999's trip to the Sweet 16 on a thrilling buzzer-beater in the Mid-American Conference championship game by Doug Penno. The senior guard had a flair for the dramatics all season, providing the RedHawks with several game-winning shots during the season.

"The game-winner in the MAC Championship was something I'll never forget," Penno said. "It's something as a basketball player you dream about."

Miami also played a spirited game against the No. 3 seed Oregon Ducks in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Red and White faced a tough Ducks squad in Spokane, Wash., and jumped out to an early 9-0 advantage. It would be the only time they would lead in the game.

With an opportunity to tie it late, Michael Bramos' off-balance, fallaway 3-pointer could not repeat Penno's earlier heroics from the MAC Championship game and hit the front of the rim to end Miami's magical run.

"What I'm most proud of, is that even though we lost to Oregon on their turf, we played at a high level," Coles said.

Despite falling short in the opening round of the tournament, the RedHawks say they have plenty to be proud of this season.

"We take pride in our toughness, we proved against Oregon that we can play any team in the nation," senior Monty St. Clair said.

Miami began the season slowly, posting a 5-10 record during the first half of the season. The Red and White played its opponents closely, but were on the losing end of several close games during its non-conference schedule.

The RedHawks' fortunes began to turn during their MAC conference schedule as they returned to their winning ways claiming victory in 10 of their last 13 games to compile an 18-14 record overall, and a solid 10-6 record in conference play. The 'Hawks finished the season perfect at home against their MAC rivals at 8-0, and an impressive 11-2 overall in the friendly confines of Millett Hall.

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