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Miami knocks off Akron in overtime victory

Photo by Lauren Olson, Photography Editor

By Jack Brewer, For The Miami Student

Miami University men's basketball (11-16, 6-8) won on the road at the University of Akron for the first time in 12 years with a 57-52 overtime victory. It was the third straight win for the RedHawks (11-16, 6-8 Mid-American Conference).

Junior guard Eric Washington paced the RedHawks offensively and led all scorers with 21 points. Also scoring double figures for the RedHawks were senior guard Will Sullivan and junior guard Geovonie McKnight, who scored 11 points and 10 points, respectively.

"We've settled into a groove," head coach John Cooper said. "I think guys know where their minutes are going to come on most nights, and more than anything, the group has come together. They realize that we can be a good basketball team if we do it together."

The RedHawks held the Zips (17-10, 8-6 MAC) to just 32 percent from the field, forcing them to take the majority of their shots from outside of the paint, notably from the 3-point line. The Zips took 32 3-pointers and made just seven of them.

The RedHawks had their struggles offensively as well, but it was the defense that carried the load, forcing 20 turnovers.

"It starts with team defense," Cooper said. "Guys are starting to understand that there are going to be breakdowns, but if your teammate's there and has your back, and the rotations are correct, then we have an opportunity to overcome some situations where we might not be locked in or we're not getting done the things that we want to do."

The Zips had just two scorers in double figures - sophomore forward Kwan Cheatham Jr. and freshman guard Noah Robotham, who both came off the bench. Cheatham Jr. led the Zips with 14 points and Robotham contributed 10 points including three 3-pointers.

Junior RedHawk guard Willie Moore tied a career-high with five steals and also scored six key points off the bench.

The RedHawks are at home for their next three games, starting with a 7 p.m Tuesday night matchup with Kent State University.

The RedHawks lost 61-60 at Kent State the last time the two teams played Feb. 7. Senior guard Devareaux Manley led all scorers with 20 points.

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