Miami Student

Issue date: 3/11/08 Section: Sports

In an emotional farewell, senior forward Tim Pollitz kisses center court Sunday at Millett Hall before checking out for the last time in his final regular season game at Miami.

The Miami men's basketball team sprung into the upcoming Mid-American Conference Tournament with a win Sunday during Tim Pollitz's final game in Millett Hall.

Jockeying for position in next week's conference tournament and looking to avenge a discouraging loss earlier in the week to Kent State University, the RedHawks trounced Bowling Green State University 75-59 in the regular season finale.

"I thought this was the perfect way to end the (regular) season," said associate head coach Jermaine Henderson, who will be replacing head coach Charlie Coles for the remainder of the season.

Pollitz, the lone senior honored on Senior Day, made the most of his Millett farewell, erupting with 15 second-half points to finish the afternoon with 18 points in addition to eight rebounds.

After leaving the floor for the final time, Pollitz knelt at half court, giving center court one final kiss goodbye.

"I'm going to miss this place, miss playing with these guys," Pollitz said. "You give four years of your life to something, it means a lot to you."

Finishing as Miami's all-time leader in field goal percentage, Pollitz lived up to his reputation, connecting on seven of his 12 shot attempts.

Although Pollitz hammered the final nails in the Falcons' coffin during the second half, Miami's Sunday victory was sealed in the opening period.

"We did a good job keeping the lead the whole game," said junior guard Michael Bramos. "I don't think they wilted (after Miami's early lead)."

The RedHawks' strong first half was déjà vu from their last home contest against Ohio University. The Red and White stifled Bowling Green on defense, consistently forcing contested shots as the shot clock expired.

"I don't know if it was lucky or if we're that good," Henderson said. "But we got some misses early (from Bowling Green)."

As the Falcons struggled to get off the ground, the RedHawks soared offensively, shooting well over 50 percent from the field to jump out to an early insurmountable lead.

After missing Miami's first date with Bowling Green, Bramos gave the RedHawks an impressive performance to avenge the January loss against the Falcons in Bowling Green.

Continued...

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