RedHawks fall to Edinboro in exhibition

Division II Edinboro surprised the RedHawks in a Saturday exhibition game at Millett Hall. MU head coach John Cooper (far right) blamed the loss on missed opportunities.

Photo by Phill Ardnt

In a somewhat shocking manner, the Miami University men's basketball team was defeated by Division II Edinboro University 71-60 during a Saturday exhibition at Millett Hall.

"I can't tell you how many layups we missed point blank in the paint." Miami head coach John Cooper said. " I want to say I counted six or seven … you can't take for granted easy scoring opportunities."

Miami left the first half with a 37-27 lead. A large portion of Miami's success was due to its first half superiorly from downtown. Miami shot 50 percent from behind the arc in the first 20 minutes of play, while Edinboro was held to a dismal 25 percent.

In the second 20 minutes of play, Edinboro improved its percentages in every shooting category. The Fighting Scotts went from shooting 25 from the three to 50 percent.

Edinboro also went from 34.6 percent to 53.3 percent from the in the first and second half, respectively.

Miami saw a decline in its shooting percentages in the second 20 minutes of play. After a good first half from three, Miami was flat out awful. The 'Hawks were 1 for 12 from behind the arc in the second half.

Miami struggled largely from the land of three last year, finishing with a 28 percent from 3-point land.

"It'll be a much better shooting team (this year)," senior guard Will Sullivan said. "I know that one of our better shooters Jaryd Eustace was out tonight, he was sick, and he'll be back soon. He's been shooting the laces off the ball."

Edinboro took advantage of the poor effort from Miami in second half performance, outscoring the RedHawks 44-23.

Edinboro took advantage of the poor effort from Miami in second half, outscoring the RedHawks 44-23.

"I think that prior to tonight we thought that a lot of things were just going to be handed to us," Sullivan said. "We've worked really hard in the preseason, but when the lights come on everything is just a little bit different."

The Fighting Scots were carried by their guard play.

Edinboro redshirt junior guard Will Marrow scored 26 points. He averaged less than four per game last season.

Junior guard Henri Wade-Chapman also enjoyed a successful day, putting up 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

After sitting out last year due to NCAA transfer rules, junior guard Eric Washington had an extremely promising first outing.

Washington looked confident and intelligent while running the RedHawks offense.

He had had 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Look for Cooper to use Washington in large doses this season.

Another new face for the RedHawks was junior forward/center LJ Livingston Jr., who played 25 minutes. Livingston put up eight points and eight rebounds.

After claiming 53-52 lead, the Fighting Scotts never looked back. Edinboro was red hot in the last 6:57 of play. The Fighting Scott's knocked down four three's, and hit four of five from the free throw line.

Twelve different RedHawks played Saturday, although sophomore guard Jaryd Eustace did not play due to an illness. He should be ready to play in the season opener.

Miami's kicks off the season against Southern Utah University. Tip off is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at Millett Hall.