Advetise with Us

February 1, 2012
MEN'S BASKETBALL

Julian Mavunga records another double-double

 Box Score | Photo Gallery

OXFORD, Ohio-- After mounting a furious comeback to send the game into overtime, a pair of electrifying dunks put an exclamation mark on a 62-57 Miami victory over Eastern Michigan Wednesday night at Millett Hall. Senior forward Julian Mavunga nearly registered a triple-double, leading the way with 19 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists.

Mavunga's double-double was his third straight, 12th of the season and the 26th of his career. The 19 rebounds and eight assists are also new career-highs. Sophomore guard Quinten Rollins was the only other RedHawk in double figures, registering 10 points.

Eastern Michigan (10-12, 5-3) led by 11, 45-34, with 3:28 left after a 5-0 run, but from there it was all RedHawks. Rollins and Mavunga knocked down another layup each and senior forward Adam Thomas added one of his own to bring the RedHawks within five, 45-40. With about a minute left, Rollins drove to the hoop and laid one in to bring Miami within three, 46-43. Sophomore forward Jon Harris then drilled a trey with 18 seconds left on the clock to tie the game at 46-46 and send the game into overtime and the Millett Hall crowd into a frenzy. A clutch defensive stop by the RedHawks ended regulation, assuring Miami overtime for the first time since its opening night victory over Dayton.

The Eagles got things started with a jumper from Da'Shonte Riley, but the RedHawks answered back with authority on a put-back dunk from Thomas. Two shots from the charity stripe for Brian Sullivan gave Miami a 50-48 lead, its first since the first half. An alley-oop from Mavunga to Thomas with about 90 seconds left on the clock brought the fans to their feet, and a thunderous dunk from Rollins sealed the deal for the RedHawks.

Eastern Michigan had jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead and held Miami scoreless for the first three minutes of the game, but back-to-back layups from sophomore center Drew McGhee cut the lead to one point, 5-4. Two layups from the Eagles restored their five-point lead, 9-4, until another basket from McGhee made it 9-6. The shot from McGhee ended a Miami scoring drought of just over three minutes.

A jumper from Eastern Michigan's Darrell Lampley at the 10:56 mark to make the score 11-6 were the last points scored for nearly three and a half minutes, when a 3-pointer from sophomore guard Josh Sewell made it 11-9. The points were Miami's first in over four minutes. Sewell answered right back two possessions later with another trey to give the RedHawks their first lead of the game, 12-11. The Eagles then ended a scoring drought of their own to take the lead, 13-12 with just under five minutes left in the half.

Rollins laid one in and Mavunga knocked down four free throws to help Miami take a five-point lead, making the score 18-13 with 90 seconds until halftime. Both teams traded 3-pointers, freshman guard Brian Sullivan hitting one for the RedHawks, and Mavunga hit another freebie to take the Miami lead to six points, its largest of the game to that point. It didn't last long, as Eastern Michigan's Derek Thompson hit a desperation 3-point attempt at the buzzer, making the halftime score 22-19 in favor of Miami.

The first half featured streaky shooting from both sides, with the RedHawks incurring three scoring droughts of three minutes or longer and the Eagles suffering through a six-minute drought midway through the half. Miami's lead could be attributed to its disciplined play, only registering three fouls and never sending Eastern Michigan to the charity stripe. In contrast, the Eagles committed 11 fouls which led to seven Miami free throw attempts.

The Eagles started the second half stronger than they did the first, this time jumping out to a 11-0 scoring run and retaking the lead, 30-22. Brian Sullivan busted the RedHawks' scoring slump with a 3-pointer, however, and made the score 30-25 with 14:22 remaining. Those were the first Miami points of the second half. After the Sullivan trey, the Eagles tore off another scoring run, this one 8-3, to take a 38-28 lead at the 8:20 mark. Including its buzzer-beater to end the first half, the run for Eastern Michigan totaled 22-6.

The next game for Miami is Saturday Feb. 4 when it hits the road for Muncie, Ind. to take on Ball State at 4 p.m.

GAME NOTES: Miami has now won 16 straight overall against Eastern Michigan, including 10 straight in Oxford... Through the first 37:21 of play, Miami scored 34 points. In the final 2:39 of regulation and overtime, the RedHawks tallied 28 points... Both teams were hindered by scoreless stretches of over five minutes in the opening half. Miami did not score from the 12:51 to 7:22 marks, while Eastern Michigan had no points from 10:56 to 4:54... Mavunga's 19 rebounds topped his previous-best of 18 vs. Akron in the 2011 MAC Tournament (March 10)... He previously had seven assists on three occasions.

February 1, 2012
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Miami Dominates in 79-57 Win Over CMU

Courtney Osborn was one assist shy of triple double.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – An explosive offense in the first half, followed by a strong defensive second half led Miami to a 79-57 victory over Central Michigan Wednesday evening. Junior guard Courtney Osborn finished one assist short of a triple-double with 12 points, a career-high 10 rebounds and nine assists. She was one of five RedHawks in double-figures; they improve to 17-5 overall and 7-2 in the Mid-American Conference. The Chippewas fall to 12-11 overall and 4-5 in the MAC.

An old-fashioned three-point play by Kirsten Olowinski, two 3-point baskets from Maggie Boyer and a layup by Hannah Robertson gave Miami a quick 11-0 lead two and a half minutes into the game. Hannah Robertson scored on a couple more layups, while Osborn hit her first 3-pointer to put the RedHawks up, 20-5 at the 13:09 mark. Rachael Hencke and Erica Almady kept up the offensive assault with a couple of buckets apiece, as the Red and White got their largest lead of 20 at 30-10 with 10:11 remaining in the half.

A 12-6 run by the Chippewas pulled CMU to within 14 at 36-22. A layup from Hannah Robertson and another trey from Boyer made it 41-22. Central responded with an 8-0 run to pull within 11 at 41-30 with 3:08 to go. Three-pointers from Osborn and Boyer would make it a 17-point advantage, but a Brandie Baker 30-foot three-pointer at the buzzer sent Miami into the break up, 47-33.

Osborn and Boyer led the team with 12 points apiece, as each hit four 3-pointers during the period. Miami was 18-for-37 (48.6 percent) from the field, including 8-for-16 (50 percent) from behind the arc. Osborn also recorded seven assists and six rebounds during the frame.

A three-pointer from Hannah Robertson, along with a couple of jumpers from Olowinski helped keep the momentum to Miami’s advantage to begin the second half. The defense held the Chippewas to only four points over the first 10 minutes of the period as Miami took a 60-37 lead.

Central would get as close as 16 points at 68-52, but Olowinski would hit back-to-back jumpers to help seal the victory. The RedHawks ran a couple of plays at the end to try and get Osborn the second triple-double in school history, but were unsuccessful. Nonetheless, Miami came away with a convincing 22-point win.

Boyer led a balanced RedHawk attack with 14 points. Hannah Robertson and Olowinski each had 13, while Almady had 10. Miami held CMU to 29.2 percent shooting (19-for-65) for the game, while shooting 46.9 percent (30-for-64) itself. The Red and White outrebounded the Chippewas, 45-35, for the game.

Miami remains on the road on Saturday when it travels to Eastern Michigan for a 2 p.m. contest.

February 1, 2012
FOOTBALL

Football Inks 25 to National Letters-of-Intent

Recruiting efforts focused in-state as 12 players hail from Ohio 

OXFORD, Ohio -- Miami's 2012 football recruiting class had a definite in-state flavor to it as Head Coach Don Treadwell announced the signing of 25 players to national letters-of-intent this afternoon. Twelve of the newest RedHawks hail from the state of Ohio with nine of those coming from the immediate Cincinnati/Dayton area.

Coach Don Treadwell on the 2011 Miami football recruiting class: "If you can go out and recruit players at each position who bring talent to the table, then you'll be successful. We're bringing in linemen on both sides of the ball who have filled our size requirements and possess athleticism. We have big skill position players--running backs, tight ends, linebackers--guys who have outstanding range and can run and strike you. And we've brought in talented players on the wings--corners and receivers. Unquestionably, we've improved our depth by bringing in young men who have the ability to jump into the two-deep right away. Ohio was really a focus for us in seeking players. We're really fortunate to have such a fertile area in our own back yard. These 25 outstanding young men comprise a special class who our fans will be excited about."

The complete class includes:

MIAMI UNIVERSITY - 2012 Football Recruits

Bryson Albright                        DE      6-5     210     Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier)
J'Terius Brown                         DE      6-3     225     Milledgeville, GA (Miller Grove)
Ryan Callen                            OT      6-5     270    Hinsdale, IL (Central)
Brandyn Cook                         OL      6-2     295     Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier)
Nick Custer                             OL      6-4     275     Cincinnati, OH (Elder)
Orlando David                         TE      6-3     240     Miami, FL (Chaminade-Madonna)
Terry Davis                             OL      6-4     305     Cincinnati, OH (Wyoming)
David DeLeon                         DT      6-1     278     Bamberg, SC (Bamberg-Ehrhardt)
Josh Dooley                            LB      5-11    200     Mason, OH (William Mason)
Austin Gearing                        QB      6-5     205     Franklin, OH (Bishop Fenwick)
Nate Gerbus                            LB      6-1     220     Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier)
Kent Kern                                 LB      6-1     220     Toledo, OH (St. John's Jesuit)
DaQuan Lucas                        DB      5-10   185     St. Stephens, SC (Timberland)
Jay Mastin                                 S       6-1     200     Centerville, OH (Centerville)
Spencer McInnis                     RB      5-9     175     Commerce Township, MI (Orchard Lake St. Mary)
Fred McRae                           WR      5-9     160     Miami, FL (Chaminade-Madonna)
Kaleb Patterson                        K       5-9     160     Duncan, SC (Byrnes)
Jimmy Rousher                      TE       6-3     254     Canfield, OH (Canfield)
Wesley Scott                           DL      6-3     245     Ridgeland, SC (Ridgeland)
Sam Shisso                             WR     6-5     205     Charlotte, NC (East Mecklenburg)
Jack Snowball                          RB      6-0     211     Wadsworth, OH (Wadsworth)
Marshall Taylor                        DB      6-4     185     Cordele, GA (Crisp County)
Jamire Westbrook                    RB      5-9     195     South Lebanon, OH (Kings)
Rokeem Williams                    WR      6-1     185     Williston, SC (Williston-Elko)
Mitchell Winters                       DE      6-5     245     Mississauga, ONT (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel)***

BRYSON ALBRIGHT
Defensive End, 6-5, 210, Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati, OH ... St. Xavier High School ... Coach Steve Specht

Playing for Division I Coach of the Year Steve Specht, Albright helped lead the Bombers (10-4) to the state semifinals vs. Pickerington Central, following a victory over Moeller High School in the regional final ... earned first-team All-Ohio, all-conference, and All-Tri-State honors ... Bryson had 70 tackles and 11 quarterback sacks his senior season ... has been invited to play in Ohio's North-South All-Star Game in April ... ranked among ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... he was a high school teammate of fellow RedHawk recruits Nate Gerbus and Brandyn Cook ... Albright's brother, Alex, played at Boston College and currently is a member of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys ... another brother, Brandon, plays at Georgetown College ... as high school student, Bryson volunteered with the Big Brothers and at his local senior center ... plans to major in medical studies at Miami ... he is the son of Dan and Denise Albright.

Coach Treadwell about Bryson Albright: "Bryson Albright is a really good, rangy player who had a tremendous senior year. He is very strong off the edge. When you can run and you have size, that combination can really be dangerous."

J'TERIUS BROWN (pronounced jah-TAIR-ee-us)
Defensive End, 6-3, 225
Milledgeville, GA ... Miller Grove High School ... Coach Damien Wimes

Lettering four times for the Miller Grove Wolverines and serving as captain twice, Brown recorded 13 quarterback sacks his senior year ... he has 4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash ... played in the DeKalb County All-Star game as a high school junior ... he was named Miller Groves' "Mr. Senior" ... a relative, Travis Brown, played at Georgia and is currently assistant defensive line coach for the NFL's New Orleans Saints ... J'Terius's hobbies include computer technology, PhotoShop and barbering ... plans to major in finance at Miami ... the son of Latasna Brown Reaves and Jarvis Jones.

Coach Treadwell about J'Terius Brown: "J'Terius Brown's name kept popping up as someone who was keeping his options open. He's listed at 6'3, 225, and brings power and speed to the edge. He plays the game with passion and great speed. Georgia has tremendous high school football and J'Terius was one of the best players in the state last season."

RYAN CALLEN
Offensive Tackle, 6-5, 280
Hinsdale, IL ... Central High School ... Coach Rich Tarka

Rated by recruiting guru Tom Lemming as one of the top interior lineman in Illinois and among the top 30 recruits in the state ... Callen won first-team all-area honors and was honorable mention all-state ... he lettered four times in football for Hinsdale Central High as a two-way tackle, serving once as captain ... Also an outstanding shot putter, throwing 52-feet-3 -inches at the state meet ... two members of his family played football at Wisconsin and Northern Illinois ... he began his high school career at 150 pounds and is ending it 130 pounds heavier ... enjoys drawing cartoons ... Ryan is a member of the National Art Honors Society and the Honor Roll ... plans to major in computer science and minor in new media at Miami ... the son of Michael and Cathleen Callen.

Coach Treadwell about Ryan Callen: "He's just a pup, but Ryan Callen is how you like them to look before you start to work with them. We have definitely improved our team by bringing in young men like him. He's a good student and a good football player, and he plays his position with toughness."

BRANDYN COOK
Offensive Line, 6-2, 295
Cincinnati, OH ... St. Xavier High School ... Coach Steve Specht

A teammate of fellow RedHawk recruits Bryson Albright and Nate Gerbus, Cook helped lead Coach Steve Specht's Bombers to a 10-4 record, a Region 4 championship and a berth in the 2011 Division I state semifinals ... named as the Anthony Munoz Offensive Lineman of the Year ... won first-team all-conference, all-city and All-Southwest Ohio ... the Cincinnati Enquirer named Cook to its Division I all-star team ... he also was a honorable mention selection on the Sports Illustrated All-America team ... he will play in April's Ohio North-South Classic ... ranked No. 65 on ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... lettered three seasons as an offensive center and also three years as a weight man for St. Xavier's track & field squad ... he was a high school teammate of fellow RedHawk recruits Nate Gerbus and Bryson Albright ... volunteered at the Glendale Elderly Center ... enjoys reading books about ancient Greece and Rome ... Brandyn's father played football at Murray State ... plans to major in business and minor in history ... the son of Bradley and Kimberly Cook.

Coach Treadwell about Brandyn Cook: "Brandyn Cook was very highly recruited by a number of BCS schools, but he felt like Miami was a great choice for him. He will play an interior position for us, either at center or at guard. What excites us is his tenacity."

NICK CUSTER
Offensive Line, 6-4, 275
Cincinnati, OH ... Elder High School ... Coach Doug Ramsey

A football star at Elder High School, he also played baseball and basketball for the Panthers ... won first-team All-GCL honors his senior year and was honorable mention all-city, overcoming a torn pectoral injury he suffered as a junior ... ranked among ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... involved as a tutor at local grade schools ... has compiled a 3.8 GPA in the class room ... a cousin, Brad Hughes, played football at Miami, and an uncle, Dan O'Brien, was a quarterback at UC ... ... plans to major in business at Miami ... the son of George and Kim Custer.

Coach Treadwell about Nick Custer: "We've been involved a long time with Nick. We envision him being an interior offensive lineman. As he begins to fill out and builds up his strength, Nick is really going to be able to give us some size."

ORLANDO DAVID
Tight End, 6-3, 240
Miami, FL ... Chaminade-Madonna High School ... Coach Tim Tyrrell

Rated as the 15th-best prospect in Broward County ... chosen to the Sun-Sentinel's 2011 Class 5A-4A-3A-2A offensive first-team ... in a running system, David was the wildcard for Chaminade-Madonna's offense, and had a stellar season both blocking and receiving ... received offers from numerous schools, including Alabama, Nebraska, Illinois and West Virginia.

Coach Treadwell about Orlando David: "Orlando is a tremendous athlete who could play just about any position on the field, from a tight end on offense, to an end or a linebacker on defense. We're very excited about him and his ability to block and play downfield as a mismatched receiver. A lot of different BCS schools wanted him, but he felt that Miami was the right fit for him. We have been blessed."

TERRY DAVIS
Offensive Line, 6-4, 305
Wyoming, OH ... Wyoming High School ... Coach Bernie Barre

The Cincinnati Enquirer calls Davis "one of the area's top recruits in the 2012 class" ... as a senior, he was a first-team choice for all-state, all-district and All-CHL ... a three-time letter winner in football and one-time captain, his sophomore team went 13-1 and played in the state semifinals ... Davis's junior team was 9-1 and his senior squad was 6-4 ... ranked No. 70 on ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... he also lettered twice as a first baseman for Wyoming ... active in community service for his church ... in the classroom, he carries a 3.2 GPA ... the son of Terry and Marquita Wilson-Davis.

Coach Treadwell about Terry Davis: "Like several of our other recruits, Terry was sought after by several big-time programs. At 6'4 and 300 pounds, he'll play on the edge as a tackle. We're very fortunate to have attracted him to Miami. He's got a great family and support system at home, and you can see that when you look at him."

DAVID DeLEON (pronounced day-lee-OWN)
Defensive Tackle, 6-1, 278
Bamberg, SC ... Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School ... Coach Kevin Crosby

Chose Miami over Minnesota, Colorado, Pitt, Illinois and others ... Rivals, Scout and ESPN all rated him a three-star player ... Orangeberg, South Carolina's Times and Democrat named him its 2011 Defensive Player of the Year ... played in South Carolina's Shrine Bowl ... DeLeon finished last season with 69 tackles, 17 TFLs and six quarterback sacks ... his Bamberg-Ehrhardt team played for the state title in 2010 ... a heavyweight on the school's defending Class A state champion wrestling squad ... a 3.6 GPA high school student, he plans to major in computer engineering at Miami ... born in Brooklyn, New York, he's the son of David DeLeon and Dianne Patterson.

Coach Treadwell about David DeLeon: "On his visit, you wouldn't know who was the upperclassman and who was the recruit. He not only looks the part, he plays that way on the field. To say the least, he's a dominant player and we're very pleased that he chose Miami. He has stood out among all of the elite players in both South and North Carolina."

JOSH DOOLEY
Linebacker, 5-11, 200
Mason, OH ... William Mason High School ... Coach Brian Castner

A two-time captain for Coach Brian Castner's Mason Comets, he twice earned all-conference honors ... also was a first-team all-district member and an honorable mention all-stater ... the Cincinnati Enquire named him to its Division II-VI all-Star Team ... in 7.5 games his senior year, Josh had 76 tackles, six quarterback sacks, broke up eight passes, forced six fumbles and recovered four fumbles ... during his three-year career, he recorded 238 stops, 17 PBUs, six TFLs and intercepted four enemy passes ... ranked No. 85 on ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... lettered four times in track and field as a sprinter and long jumper, being named all-conference as a member of the 4x100 relay team ... comes from a very athletic family, his brother Jake will be a senior linebacker at Kent State ... his father played football at Kentucky and his grandfather played baseball at Indiana ... intends to major in business at Miami ... the son of Kevin and Lori Dooley.
Coach Castner: "Josh is the type of player that loves the ball and he will do anything in the course of a play to get to it! He was a high impact player for the Mason Comets and he soon will be for Coach Tread and Redhawks!! He will represent the `M' the right way!"

Coach Treadwell about Josh Dooley: "Josh is a very impressive individual when you first meet him. He has tremendous range and will play a valuable role as a member of our special teams. He's a linebacker who loves to run and strike people."

AUSTIN GEARING
Quarterback, 6-5, 210
Franklin, OH ... Bishop Fenwick High School ... Coach Fred Cranford

A first-team all-conference player, second-team all-district and Fenwick's Offensive Player of the Year, Austin completed 63-of-116 passes for 979 yards and nine touchdowns ... he ran the football for 819 yards and 13 TDs ... career-wise, he completed 125-of-230 passes for 2,005 yards and had 14 TDs against only six interceptions ... rushed 211 times for 1,450 career yards for 27 TDs ... ranked No. 87 on ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... lettered twice in football and twice in lacrosse, captaining both teams ... active with Matthew 25 Ministries and with the Renaissance Inn Retirement Home ... the son of Brandon and Bessie Gearing. Coach Cranford about Austin Gearing: "Austin is a complete athlete, a very versatile, two-dimensional quarterback that will make an impact running or throwing the football. He's a very tough, physical quarterback who puts any defense in a position to defend the quarterback. Austin is a student of the game who has his best football ahead of him."

Coach Treadwell about Austin Gearing: "We've been in contact with Austin from the very beginning and we even had him a camp this past year. His height and his range are intangibles that excite you and he is extremely athletic. When his receivers are covered, he can tuck the ball and become a weapon as a runner."

NATE GERBUS
Linebacker, 6-1, 220
Cincinnati, OH ... St. Xavier High School ... Coach Steve Specht

A teammate of fellow RedHawk recruits Bryson Albright and Brandyn Cook, Gerbus helped lead Coach Steve Specht's Bombers to a 10-4 record, a Region 4 championship and a berth in the 2011 Division I state semifinals ... Gerbus injured his knee in the semifinal contest ... he was the GCL's Defensive Player of the Year, a first-team All-Tri-State choice, and a second-team all-stater ... Gerbus's senior-year statistics included 145 tackles and 17 quarterback sacks ... also lettered in wrestling ... a member of the National Spanish Honor Society ... will major in business at Miami ... the son of Alan and Mary Gerbus.

Coach Treadwell about Nate Gerbus: "He is very physical and a punishing tackler. Nate has the ability to be an impact player not only on defense, but also with special teams. He's a very exciting player to watch."

KENT KERN
Linebacker, 6-1, 220
Toledo, OH ... St. John's Jesuit High School ... Coach Doug Pearson

A first-team All-state selection as a senior, he twice won all-conference and all-district honors for Coach Doug Pearson's Titans ... he was a two-way star at St. John's, registering career defensive statistics of 255 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback sacks and caused 11 fumbles ... offensively, his stats included 2,461 rushing yards (33 touchdowns) and 768 passing yards (12 TDs) ... served as team captain his senior season ... ranked among ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... Kent's brother, Kevin, plays football at Dayton and his uncle lettered in football at the Air Force Academy ... carried a 4.2 GPA in the classroom ... the son of Michael and Martha Kern.

Coach Treadwell about Kent Kern: "His body already looks like that of an upperclassman. As a linebacker, Kent has that wingspan that defensive ends typically have. He's been involved with martial arts since a very young age. He wrestles for the fun of it, just to stay in shape. How many kids do that? We're really excited about Kent."

DaQUAN LUCAS
Defensive Back, 5-11, 185
St. Stephens, SC ... Timberland High School ... Coach Art Craig

The Timberland Wolves (14-1), led by Lucas, were state champions in 2011 ... DaQuan was the 2A Division I Defensive Player of the Year and Frederick County Defensive Player of the Year ... he earned all-state and All-Low-Country honors ... as an outside linebacker, DaQuan had 114 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback sacks in 2011 ... as a running back last season, he was equally impressive, rushing for 890 yards and 19 touchdowns ... Timberland's football team has compiled a 26-2 record the last two seasons ... he made the Max Prep All-America second-team ... Lucas also earned four letters as a sprinter for the track and field team ... an Honor Roll student in the classroom ... intends to major in kinesiology at Miami ... the son of Franklin Lucas and Yvette Ravenell.

Coach Treadwell about DaQuan Lucas: "The thing that excites us about DaQuan is that he is a multiple player. He could play corner or safety for us, plus he is a very dangerous return man. When he hits you, you definitely know it. He's run a hundred meters in 10.7, so he can really accelerate. We're excited about his future."

JAY MASTIN
Safety, 6-1, 200
Centerville, OH ... Centerville High School ... Coach Ron Ullery

Coach Ullery's Centerville Elks made the state playoff each of the last three seasons, assembling a cumulative win-loss record of 24-10 ... Jay was a first-team all-conference and All-GWOC selection and was a second-team pick on the all-district squad ... in 7.5 games as a senior, he recorded 76 tackles, three TFLs and eight PBUs ... career-wise, he made 238 stops, broke up 17 passes, and totaled six TFLs and four interceptions ... ranked No. 100 on ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... served the community by helping to feed Dayton's homeless and working as a volunteer with youth football ... he's undecided as to his major at Miami ... the son of Lara Mastin.

Coach Ullery about Jay Mastin: "Jay was the QB of our defense the past 2 years. He was asked to do a multitude of things on defense and excelled at all of them from his FS position. Jay is a very intelligent player and prepares extremely well for each opponent. He is one of the best run-support FS's we've had at Centerville in the 35 years I've coached there. He anticipates well and always seems to be in position to make plays."

Coach Treadwell about Jay Mastin: "You look at him and you can envision the range that he has. He's 6-1, 200 as a pup out of high school, so when Jay gets filled out ... wow! Jay has excellent ball skills and loves the game of football."

SPENCER McINNIS
Running Back, 5-9, 175
Commerce Township, MI ... Orchard Lake St. Mary High School ... Coach George Porritt

A fast and powerful runner, he played in the Army All-American High School Game on Dec. 30 ... an all-area, all-Catholic, all-region and all-state performer ... Coach Porritt's Eaglets won the Michigan Division 3 State Championship in 2011 (12-2) as McInnis carried the ball 23 times for 213 yards and three touchdowns in the title game ... last season, he rushed for 1,550 yards on 203 carries and scored 25 TDs ... St. Mary's was the runner-up in the state title game in 2009 and '10 ... McInnis also lettered three times in lacrosse as a midfielder ... comes from the same high school that sent Jason and Justin Semmes to Miami ... Spencer's father played football at Eastern Michigan ... Spencer has taken mission trips to Mexico, Nicaragua and Guatemala ... plans to major in architecture at Miami ... he is the son of Patrick and Julie McInnis.

Coach Treadwell about Spencer McInnis: "One of the positions we want to improve is at running back. You can't get much better of a program than Orchard Lake St. Mary. Their players are disciplined and unselfish, and they understand their role. He comes from a great family and you understand why Spencer is the type of quality young man that he is. He's a no-frills player who always goes north and south."

FRED McRAE
Wide Receiver, 5-9, 160
Miami, FL ... Chaminade-Madonna High School ... Coach Tim Tyrrell

Rated No. 86 among Orlando Sentinel's Top 100 players in Florida ... Committed to Miami (Ohio) over seven other offers, including Central Florida ... Sentinel called him a "little man can fly and make plays" ... doesn't mind coming across the middle and is tough in the jump-ball despite his height ... averaged 22 yards per catch in 2011, grabbing 33 passes for 726 yards and eight touchdowns ... returned two punts for TDs and one kickoff for a scores ... defensively, he notched three interceptions ... career-wise, he averaged 19.8 yards on 104 receptions for 2,061 yards and 21 TDs ... he scored three TDs on punt returns and four on kickoff returns, recording six career interceptions.

Coach Tyrrell about Fred McRae: "Fred McRae is the hardest working wide receiver I have ever coached!"

Coach Treadwell about Fred McRae: "Fred comes from a quality school. He was very highly recruited, but was open to looking at all of his options. He was one of the most dynamic players we saw this year as a return specialist. If you can find the right guy, that can really be a weapon. And we think that Fred can fill that bill."

KALEB PATTERSON
Kicker, 5-9, 160
Duncan, SC ... Byrnes High School ... Coach Chris Miller

An all-region kicker for Byrnes High School's two-time 4A Division 1 state champions (2010 and '11) ... twice named South Carolina's 4A Sports Report State Special Teams Player of the Year ... three-time all-region choice ... Spartanburg Herald Journal's Special Teams Player of the Year three times .. Carolina state coaches voted him Specialist of the Year ... a Shrine Bowl participant ... connected on 10-of-19 field goals last season, with a long of 54 yards ... also converted 89-of- 91 extra point attempts ... he's one of five high schools players from South Carolina in Miami's 2012 recruiting class.

Coach Treadwell about Kaleb Patterson: "We wanted to improve our team at the placekicker position. Making field goals is critical to the success of a team. Kaleb is a highly recruited young man at his position. His dad was a tremendous player in the SEC as a kicker. Kaleb comes from a championship team that played in a lot of big games, so he's been in the heat of it and came out on the positive end."

JIMMY ROUSHER (pronounced ROO-shur)
Tight End, 6-3, 251
Canfield, OH ... Canfield High School ... Coach Mike Pavlansky

A first-team Division II all-state selection as a senior, he also was the All-American Conference's first-team tight end in both 2010 and '11 ... also earned first-team All-Northeast Ohio honors two times ... a two-way player each of his last two seasons at Canfield ... during his three-year career, he caught 27 passes for 410 yards (15.2 ypr) and four touchdowns ... as a defensive player, he recorded 73 tackles, 12 TFLs and seven QB sacks ... ranked among ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... also lettered twice in basketball ... his brother, J.J. and Nick, both were four-year starters at Malone University in Canton ... the three Rousher boys are Canfield High's only trio to all be awarded all-state honors ... Jimmy is the son of Jim and Debbie Rousher.

Coach Pavlansky about Jimmy Rousher: "Jimmy is a great competitor. He is committed to being the best student-athlete he can be. As a three-year starter, we will miss Jimmy's experience on both sides of the ball."

Coach Treadwell about Jimmy Rousher: "Jimmy is one of those throw-back type of kids. His father is from the old school and he taught his kids to be tough. It's nothing for Jimmy to put on a 30- or 50-pound weight vest and go running at 6 o'clock in the morning, just to begin his day. He brings toughness to the table."

WESLEY SCOTT
Defensive Line, 6-3, 245
Ridgeland, SC ... Ridgeland High School ... Coach Richard Kirkland

Played numerous offensive positions for the Jaguars on the offensive line, plus fullback, tight end, punter and long snapper ... graded out at 92 percent as a lineman ... defensively, as a four-year starter, Scott recorded more than 500 career tackles, 140 TFLs and 20 quarterback sacks ... in his senior yeVar, he was named "Defensive Lineman of the Year", registered 103 tackles, 28 TFLs and 14.5 sacks ... he was a weight-lifting state champion in both 2010 and '11 and was a four-time track and field letter winner ... a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes ... plans to major in zoology at Miami ... the son of Isaac and Bobbie Scott.

Coach Richard Kirkland about Wesley Scott: "Wesley Scott is an outstanding young man, athlete and team player that I have known for 6 years. He never missed practice, and was always the athlete that led by example. I have coached Wesley since he has been in the seventh grade. I will miss him greatly. I wish for the best for Wesley Scott, and I know that he will have some great years at Miami University."

Coach Treadwell about Wesley Scott: "He and David DeLeon are book-end type defensive linemen. They already look like veteran players. Wesley has a tremendous motor and gets off blocks very well. He pursues the quarterback as well as anyone we've seen. We're tremendously excited about having him at Miami."

SAM SHISSO
Wide Receiver, 6-5, 205
Charlotte, NC ... East Mecklenburg High School ... Coach Jeremy Buck

Though the Eagles team had a disappointing season, Sam was an All-Southwestern Conference selection and a team captain ... he led the East Mecklenberg in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2010 and 2011 ... exceptional in the classroom, he carries a 4.32 GPA ... moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Charlotte, North Carolina with his parents and four siblings in 1999 ... his father, Christopher, is a minister ... Sam is a member of his high school's Student Congress and Senior Board ... he sings in his church choir, and he and his family often perform at the local nursing home where his mother works ... plans to major in computer engineering at Miami ... he's the son of Christopher and Ivette Shisso.

Coach Jeremy Buck about Sam Shisso: "You begin coaching to be a part of people's lives in an effort to be a positive influence on them. Well, Sam did that for me. Sam has not only excelled in the classroom and on the field, but his accomplishments off the field are what are the most impressive to me. Sam conducts himself in a manner that I wish I could live up to myself. He will be a very positive addition to the Miami of Ohio family, both on and off the field."

Coach Treadwell about Sam Shisso: "Sam gives you size and range at wide receiver. He hasn't been playing football for too long, so we know that the best is yet to come. There's always a place for receivers with bigger frames because they can get separation from their defender. We think that Sam can be a really fine receiver at Miami."

JACK SNOWBALL
Running Back, 5-10, 210
Wadsworth, Ohio ... Wadsworth High School ... Coach Greg Dennison

A first-team all-state selection, he was Ohio's Division I co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2011, rushing for 2,594 yards, scoring 31 touchdowns and passing for 185 yards and two TDs ... his 199 total points scored last season was a school and county record ... first-team all-league and all-district selection, he was voted All-Inland District Player of the Year, Cleveland Plain-Dealer Player of the Year, and Medina Gazette's Player of the Year ... Jack never fumbled the ball during his prep career ... Coach Greg Dennison's Grizzlies made it to the regional finals of the state playoffs with a 11-2 record ... Jack also lettered three times in basketball and once in track and field ... missed his entire junior season due to shoulder surgery ... father played football at Boston University ... mother attended Miami University ... intends to major in business management at Miami ... the son of Dave and Angie Snowball.

Coach Treadwell about Jack Snowball: "When you rush for 2,500 yards and score 30 touchdowns, it's difficult to be a hidden commodity. Jack is a north and south kind of runner who plays a pad level, has great feet in the hole and has good vision. The thing I like most about him is that with all of the runs he's made, he's never had one fumble."

MARSHALL TAYLOR
Defensive Back, 6-4, 185
Cordele, GA ... Crisp County High School ... Coach Lee Campbell

First-team all-region and second-team All-Middle Georgia for the Crisp County Cougars ... he intercepted 11 passes in three letter-winning seasons ... the Cougar basketball team made it to Georgia's Sweet Sixteen as Taylor starred at forward ... musically inclined, he plays the drums, baritone and tuba ... his father, Marshall Taylor Sr. played football at Georgia Southwestern State University; his cousin was an athlete at Georgia; and his aunt was an athlete at Valdosta State ... the son of Marshall Taylor Sr. and Rosie Howard.

Coach Treadwell about Marshall Taylor: "If you can find a guy with Marshall's size who can play corner, you'll immediately take him. They can really make a difference if they're able to do what you want them to do. We're very fortunate to have him on our team."

JAMIRE WESTBROOK (pronounced jah-MYRE)
Running Back, 5-9, 195
South Lebanon, OH ... Kings High School ... Coach Andy Olds

The Cincinnati Enquirer selected him as its Division II Player of the Year in 2011 ... as a senior running back, he rushed for 1,298 yards (6.8 ypa) and scored 15 touchdowns ... in four years, he ran for 4,329 yards 57 TDs ... he had career all-purpose yardage total of 5,867 yards ... Coach Andy Olds' squad were ranked No. 2 in the state in 2011 and compiled a record of 23-3 over the past two seasons ... Jamire was the Offensive Player of the Year in Division II football each of the last two years ... three-time all-conference selection and two-time all-region and all-district ... ranked No. 82 on ScoutingOhio.com's Top 150 ... lettered three times in track and field ... involved with Matthew 25 Ministries and youth football ... plans to major in business at Miami ... the son of Jamire and Heather Westbrook.

Coach Olds about Jamire Westbrook: "Jamire is the most complete running back ever to come out of the Kings football program. He has all of the tools necessary to have an immediate impact on the RedHawk program".

Coach Treadwell about Jamire Westbrook: "With a compact runner like Jamire, you can understand why Kings just methodically marched down the field. He can do three yards and a cloud of dust, or he can catch a crease and go 60 yards. Jamire is a complete package. We are tremendously excited to have a player from our area who is an outstanding back and has mental toughness."

ROKEEM WILLIAMS
Wide Receiver, 6-1, 185
Williston, SC ... Williston-Elko High School ... Coach Dwayne Garrick

Earned all-state honors each of the last two seasons for Williston Elko High School ... named his region's Player of the Year in 2011 and was his team's MVP ... was a North-South All-Star Game participant ... as a receiver, he caught 73 career passes for 1,593 yards (21.8 ypr) for 22 touchdowns ... as a runner, he carried the ball 74 times for 531 yards (7.2 ypa) and scored five TDs ... 2008-11 teams compiled a cumulative record of 50-6, playing in the state championship game three times ... 2011 Upper State Champs in South Carolina ... captained his basketball team all four years ... an uncle, Troy Brown, played for the New England Patriots ... undecided as to his major at Miami ... the son of Effie Williams.

Coach Treadwell about Rokeem Williams: "At his size, Rokeem has the ability to be an outstanding receiver. He can separate, he's fast enough to run by you, he's tough, he'll block you ... he's the complete package. Rokeem is one of the best basketball players in South Carolina, so to throw all of those skills into a football body and football mind makes us excited."

MITCHELL WINTERS
Defensive End, 6-5, 245
Mississauga, ONT ... Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School ... Coach Patrick McCallian

Enrolled at Miami in January, 2012 ... played high school football for four years , mostly at linebacker ... captained the team twice ... he'll play defensive end for the RedHawks ... so that he could catch the eye of college coaches, Mitch attended several summer camps ... ran a 4.7 40-yard dash and completed 19 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press ... an avid hockey player ... a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers ... coached a local grade school flag football team ... helped raise money for cancer foundations ... his father is an artist and sculptor, and his mother works for Air Canada ... undecided as to his major at Miami ... the son of Lorne and Christine Winters.

Coach Treadwell about Mitchell Winters: "Much like some of our other recruits, Mitch already looks like a veteran player. He has already displayed great intensity in the weight room. He's a lock-jaw, tenacious player who is always looking to get better. We are tremendously excited about having Mitch on board."  

February 1, 2012
MEN'S BASKETBALL

Miami’s Brian Sullivan Named MAC Freshman of Month

RedHawk Guard Claims Inaugural MAC Freshman of Month Award for January

CLEVELAND--Miami University freshman guard Brian Sullivan (Upper Arlington, Ohio/Upper Arlington) has been lighting it up for the RedHawks and was tabbed the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Month for January, the conference office announced Wednesday afternoon.

Sullivan scored in double figures in six of Miami's eight games in January, including two 20-point performances, and has scored no less than eight points in any game this month. He led Miami in scoring in four of its eight games in January, and his 15.1 ppg in January led all RedHawks. Sullivan shot 48.2 percent from the field, 53.3 percent from 3-point range and 75.0 percent from the free throw line last month. His 13.9 ppg in MAC play leads all MAC freshmen and ties for eighth among conference leaders.

In MAC play, Sullivan leads all conference players in 3-pointers per game (3.4 per game) and ranks second among all MAC players and ties for second among all Division I freshmen nationally in made 3-pointers per game on the season (2.7 per game). Sullivan also leads all Division I freshmen nationally in 3-point field-goal percentage (according to Stats Inc. minimum 1.5 made per game) and ranks sixth among all Division I players nationally according to the NCAA statistics (minimum 2.5 made per game) with a .481 percentage.

Sullivan started the month knocking down eight 3-pointers against a strong Vanderbilt team, which tied for third on Miami's single-game list, en route to a career-high 24 points. He shot 72.7 percent from the field and a scorching 80 percent from 3-point range at Vanderbilt. His eight treys against the Commodores are the most by a MAC player this season, and he is the youngest player to hit that mark in Miami history. In his last outing, Sullivan sunk six triples at Western Michigan, which ties for 10th on Miami's single-game list and helped the RedHawks tie the second-best single-game 3-point performance in school history.

January 30, 2012
MEN'S BASKETBALL

Miami Hosts Tennessee State in Sears BracketBuster Game

RedHawks Tangle with Tigers at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19

OXFORD, Ohio—Tennessee State will be the Miami University men’s basketball opponent for the 2012 Sears BracketBuster event. The RedHawks will host the Tigers at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 at Millett Hall.

Tennessee State, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, has won its last three games and owns a 13-10 mark. The Tigers have a 6-4 record in OVC play, which ties for third. The Tigers and RedHawks have three like opponents on their 2011-12 slates in Belmont, Central Michigan and Southeast Missouri.

Tennessee State lost at Belmont on Dec. 6, 75-62, and defeated Central Michigan at home, 65-57. The Tigers face fellow OVC member Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Mo. on Saturday, Feb. 4. In a return trip of the 2010 BracketBuster game, Miami lost at Southeast Missouri State on Nov. 26, 64-57. Miami defeated Belmont on Dec. 15 in Oxford, 66-61, and the RedHawks host Central Michigan in a MAC tilt on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The Tigers are led by 6-foot-9 junior forward Robert Covington, who averages 17.7 ppg and 7.8 rpg, while shooting 52.2 percent from the field. Covington also has knocked down 43 3-pointers on the season and has amassed 31 blocked shots and 30 steals. Sophomore guard Patrick Miller follows at 11.8 ppg and 3.6 apg. He leads the team with 33 steals.

Miami (5-14; 1-6 MAC) is led by 6-foot-8 senior forward Julian Mavunga, who averages a MAC-leading 17.6 ppg and 9.7 rpg, and freshman guard Brian Sullivan, who averages 10.3 ppg and leads the MAC in MAC-only games in 3-pointers per game (3.4) and leads all Division I freshmen this season in 3-point field goal percentage (.481).

Feb. 19 will be the first meeting between the schools, however, it will be the second time in the last three years Miami is facing and OVC school in the BracketBuster. The RedHawks own a 12-9 record against schools in the OVC having previously faced Eastern Kentucky (11-6), Southeast Missouri State (1-1), Morehead State (0-1) and Eastern Illinois (0-1).

The RedHawks are 5-3 in the BracketBuster event and are 4-0 when playing in Oxford.

Miami in the Sears BracketBuster Event:

Feb. 21, 2004    (Oxford, OH)         def. Missouri State, 75-66
Feb. 19, 2005    (Oxford, OH)         def. Wichita State, 65-58
Feb. 18, 2006    (Oxford, OH)         def. Illinois State, 51-49
Feb. 17, 2007    (Terre Haute, IN)    def. Indiana State, 70-58
Feb. 23, 2008    (Valparaiso, IN)     lost at Valparaiso, 94-99 (2OT)
Feb. 21, 2009    (Evansville, IN)     lost at Evansville, 61-75
Feb. 20, 2010    (Oxford, OH)         def. Southeast Missouri State, 69-53
Feb. 19, 2011    (Harrisonburg, VA)   lost at James Madison, 69-70

January 29, 2012
SYNCHRONIZED SKATING

RedHawk Junior Team Finishs Seventh at Mozart Cup
 
SALZBURG, Austria--Miami University's junior synchronized skating team finished seventh among the 15-team field at the Mozart Cup. The RedHawks, representing the United States of America at the event, posted a combined score of 108.22.

Miami skated a clean program in Sunday's free skate. With their program themed Dancing in Paris, the RedHawks tallied a score of 69.75 for their long program, finishing with the seventh-best score for the free skate. Miami was in fifth place after the short program, themed Cha-Cha, with a score of 38.47 and were less than a half a point out of third place after the first day of competition.

This was the last competitive event for the Miami junior team before the U.S. National Championships March 1-3. Miami's senior team will be the next team in action as the RedHawks also represent the United States of America at the French Cup this weekend. The junior team will perform at the Feb. 17 Miami hockey game. All three teams will hold a Nationals Send-off Exhibition at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Steve Cady Arena.

MOZART CUP FINAL STANDINGS
Ice Steps (FIN) 137.65
Stella Polaris (FIN) 130.77
X'cellence (CAN) 121.00
Team Berlin Junior (GER) 113.55
Reflections (FIN) 113.01
Sun City Swing (FIN) 110.14
Miami (USA) 108.22
Cool Dreams Junior (SUI) 97.40
Hot Shivers (ITA) 90.38
Kometa (CZE) 87.17
Starlets (CZE) 77.88
Black Diam's (FRA) 75.18
Starlets (GER) 59.02
Frostwork (HUN) 56.80
Zagreb Snowflakes (CRO) 53.61

January 28, 2012
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Osborn Leads Miami to 72-61 Win over Ball State

Junior tallies 27 points as RedHawks finish first half of MAC play at 6-2.

OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University women’s basketball team opened the second half on a 9-0 run, overcoming a two-point halftime deficit, to lift itself to a 72-61 victory over Ball State Saturday afternoon at Millett Hall. Courtney Osborn, who started the run with a game-tying layup, finished the contest with a game-high 27 points. The RedHawks improve to 16-5 overall, and finish the first half of Mid-American Conference play at 6-2. The Cardinals fall to 7-14 overall and 2-6 in the MAC.

A layup from Kirsten Olowinski and a three-pointer from Osborn helped stake Miami to a 6-0 lead early. Ball State fought back to pull within one at 8-7, and after another Olowinski jumper, eventually took the lead at 12-11 at the 12:26 mark. With the score tied at 17, a 13-5 run by the Cardinals would give it its biggest advantage at 30-22 with 6:23 to go.

Osborn would start the Miami comeback by hitting two free throws. On the next possession, Olowinski was fouled and made the first of her free throws. She missed the second, but Erica Almady grabbed the rebound and put back in. She also was fouled on the play; she converted the free throw to pull the ‘Hawks to within two at 30-28. Ball State would follow with a 5-0 run to push the advantage back to seven at 35-28 at the 4:04 mark, but jumpers from Hannah Robertson and Maggie Boyer were part of a 6-1 closing run that sent Miami into the break down only two, 36-34.

The RedHawks shot an impressive 52.4 percent (11-for-21) for the half. Osborn led Miami with 11 points.

The 9-0 run to start the second half was capped by a Boyer three-point basket and put the RedHawks in front, 43-36, with 16:38 to go. Back-to-back layups from Osborn and Olowinski would give the Red and White a nine-point advantage, 47-38, at the 14:29 mark. The Cardinals fought back, answering with an 11-6 run that made it 53-49 with 11:23 remaining in the contest.

The defense clamped down on Ball State, keeping the Cardinals without a point for the next four minutes. Jumpers from Boyer, Osborn and Olowinski made it 59-49. The teams traded free throws until it was 64-55 with 4:04 remaining. Ball State hit back-to-back layups to pull within five at 64-59 at the 2:42 mark. Osborn would seal the game a couple of possessions later with an old-fashioned three-point play to put Miami up, 67-59. The RedHawks hit their free throws in the last minute to secure the 72-61 victory.

In addition to her 27 points, Osborn had three assists, three steals, three rebounds and a block. Boyer finished with 15 points, while Olowinski had 13. Miami shot 49 percent (25-for-51) for the game, while holding Ball State to 38.5 percent (20-for-52) shooting. The RedHawks outrebounded the Cardinals 37-27 in the contest, pulling down 16 offensive boards.

Miami returns to action on Wednesday when it travels to Central Michigan for a 7 p.m. game.

January 25, 2012
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Toledo's Second-Half Run Does in RedHawks

Rockets earn a 79-66 victory, Maggie Boyer leads Miami with 20 points.

TOLEDO – The Miami University women’s basketball team came out firing, but a hot-shooting second half by the Toledo Rockets proved to be its undoing in a 79-66 defeat Wednesday evening. Maggie Boyer led the Red and White with 20 points. The RedHawks fall to 15-5 overall and 5-2 in the Mid-American Conference. The Rockets improve to 12-7 overall and 5-2 in the MAC.

It couldn’t have started out better for Miami as Boyer drained a deep three to get the Red and White on the board. The RedHawks forced Toledo into several early misses as three-pointers from Hannah Robertson and Boyer, along with a layup from Kirsten Olowinski gave Miami an 11-0 lead five minutes into the contest.

After the Rockets got on the board with a three-pointer of their own, Boyer continued her hot shooting start with five more points to put the RedHawks a 16-3 advantage with 12:46 to go. Toledo got hot, as it went on a 10-0 run over the next three minutes to pull within three at 16-13. An old fashioned three-point play by Olowinski stopped the bleeding, and Boyer’s fourth three-pointer of the half gave Miami a 22-13 lead at the 8:14 mark.

The rest of the frame went back-and-forth from there, as a 6-0 run by the Rockets was stopped by a Courtney Osborn layup and free throw conversion. Trailing 27-21, a 5-0 run by Toledo would pull it to within one, but again Osborn kept Miami in front with a jumper. The Rockets would hit the final bucket of the half to send the RedHawks into the break up one, 29-28.

Boyer finished with 14 points for the half, while Osborn contributed seven. Miami outrebounded Toledo, 22-19, during the frame and pulled in 10 offensive caroms.

Two free throws to begin the second half by Boyer would extend the RedHawk advantage to three, but a three-pointer and three quick layups by the Rockets gave them their first lead of the game at 37-31 with 17:21 to go. They eventually expanded the advantage to 44-35 at the 14:04 mark.

A layup from Rachael Hencke and a jumper by Hannah Robertson would close Miami to within five at 44-39 and force a Toledo timeout. Out of the break the Rockets were on fire, hitting four three-pointers and a couple layups as part of a 16-2 run that would put the game out of reach at 60-41 at the 9:07 mark. The RedHawks would settle down defensively from there, but were only able to outscore Toledo 20-15 the rest of the way as they fell, 79-63.

In addition to Boyer’s 20 points, Osborn scored 17 and Olowinski put in 10. Miami shot 34.4 percent for the game (22-for-64), while Toledo hit on 54.2 percent (32-for-59) of its shots. That included a blistering 69.0 percent (20-for-29) in the second half. The Rockets ended up outrebounding the RedHawks, 39-33, for the contest.

Miami returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Ball State at noon. That is a special noon broadcast and will be broadcast live on STO. It has also been picked up for broadcast on ESPN3.com. It is Kidsfest at Millett hall and there will be a pregame clinic at 11 a.m. featuring demonstrations from several varsity and club sports at Miami.

January 22, 2012
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Osborn's 34 Leads RedHawks to Win Over WMU

Miami gets back on winning track with 82-67 victory.

OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University women’s basketball team used a strong offensive attack led by junior guard Courtney Osborn to get back on the winning track on Sunday, taking an 82-67 victory over Western Michigan. Osborn scored 34 points for the Red and White, which is tied for the sixth-highest single game total in school history. The RedHawks improve to 15-4 overall and 5-1 in the Mid-American Conference. The Broncos fall to 5-14 overall and 2-4 in the MAC.

After Western Michigan opened the scoring with a layup, a three-pointer from Osborn would spark Mimai’s response of a 9-0 run to take a 9-2 lead. Maggie Boyer would hit a jumper and a three-point basket in consecutive possessions to give the Red and White a 15-8 advantage. In front, 17-11, the RedHawks shot went cold as the Broncos went on a 6-0 run to tie the score at 17 with 10:32 remaining.

A drive and a layup from Osborn gave her an old-fashioned three-point play to put Miami back in front. She would follow with another three-pointer and a pass to a streaking Hannah Robertson for the layup and a 25-19 lead. Osborn would later find Haley Robertson with a long-cross court pass for another layup to stretch the advantage to 17 at 40-23. Osborn would finish the half with another trey and a jumper to help send the RedHawks into the break in front, 46-26.

Osborn had 21 points in the first half, including a perfect 5-for-5 from behind the arc. Miami shot 55.2 percent (16-for-29) for the frame.

A three-pointer from Boyer and a layup from Osborn helped the RedHawks to their largest lead of the game at 53-30 with 16:44 remaining in the second half. WMU did not go away, as it answered with a 12-0 run to pull within 13 at 53-42 with 12:06 to go. Two Osborn free throws would make it 55-42, but a Bronco three-pointer made it a 10-point game at the next media timeout.

Coming out of the break, three-pointers from Osborn and Boyer, along with layups by Hannah and Haley Robertson made up a 10-0 Miami answer that pushed the advantage back to 20 at 65-45. Western Michigan fought back with a 13-6 run that pulled it to within 13 at 4:37 to go, but back-to-back jumpers from Osborn and Kristin Judson would help put the game out of reach for good for the RedHawks.

Osborn finished the game 11-for-15 from the field and 6-for-7 from behind the arc. She also had eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Boyer contributed 14 points to the Miami cause, while Hannah Robertson had 10 points. Kirsten Olowinski led the Red and White with 13 rebounds, as a team they outrebounded the Broncos, 37-26.

Miami hits the road for its next contest, traveling to Toledo Wednesday for a 7 p.m. tip. The RedHawks return home on Saturday for a noon game against Ball State. That contest will be broadcast live on STO.

January 21, 2012
WOMEN'S TENNIS

Tennis Earns First Win with Sweep of Xavier

Complete Results

HAMILTON, Ohio -- Miami opened its 2012 home schedule Saturday with a 7-0 victory over local rival Xavier Saturday afternoon at the Riverside Racquet Club. The win was the first of the year for the RedHawks, who opened the year last weekend with a pair of losses to ranked opponents.

Miami clinched the doubles point by winning all three matches in convincing fashion. Stephanie Danesis and Christiana Raymond swept Kally Alkier and Katie Pleiman 8-0 at No. 1, before the No. 3 tandem of Jessica Parr and Nimisha Mohan put the RedHawks up 1-0 in the match with an 8-3 win. The duo won the first two games before Xavier's Natalie Handler and Marietta Maffey took two straight to even the score. But Miami secured the next five games for a 7-2 advantage. In the No. 3 pairing, Riekie Honiball and Christine Guerrazzi won the first three games enroute to a 4-1 advantage, then traded games in an 8-4 victory over Daniella Patton and Lizzie Oosterbaan.

"I thought Steph and I played really well today," Raymond said. "In doubles, the whole team came out really aggressive and trusted each other. Doubles set the tone for singles. We gained confidence with that point."

The RedHawks (1-2) clinched the match by quickly gaining three singles points. Danesis cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Kally Alkire at No. 3, while Ramona Costea whitewashed her opponent, Marietta Maffey 6-0, 6-0 at No. 6. Christine Guerrazzi lost only a single game to Natalie Handler (6-0, 6-1) at No. 5 to lift Miami to the victory.

Shortly after, Alix Thurman posted a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Lizzie Oosterbaan at No. 4, while Mohan earned a 6-3, 6-1 win over Katie Pleiman at No. 1. The final match, No. 2, went to a super tiebreaker after Riekie Honiball split the first two sets, 3-6 and 6-4 against Daniella Patton. The RedHawk senior insured the split opening a 5-1 lead in deciding set, then holding on for a 10-6 victory.

"(Daniella) was a good player and it was good to start the season with a battle," Honiball said. "It was nice to start the home season the way we did. We took what we learned last weekend and put it into practice. I am excited to face the good teams that we will ahead."

The match was the first of the year for Xavier.

The RedHawks return to action tomorrow afternoon against another local rival, Cincinnati. Action begins at 3:30 at the Riverside Racquet Club.

January 20, 2012
MEN'S BASKETBALL

Miami at Ohio

Saturday, January 21 - 2 p.m.
Convocation Center - Athens, Ohio
Radio: Miami IMG Sports Network (WMOH 1450 Hamilton; WFMG 101.3 Richmond; WONE 980 Dayton, WDBZ 1230 Cincinnati)

MIAMI BATTLES OHIO ON SATURDAY: Miami concludes its first stretch against the Mid-American Conference East Division when the RedHawks travel to Ohio for a 2 p.m. game on Saturday, Jan. 21. Miami looks to rebound after a tough 65-57 loss to Bowling Green on Wednesday but is facing an Ohio team that is coming off a 22-point win over Kent State Wednesday and is 9-1 at home this season.

DOING A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING: There are a lot of great players in the Mid-American Conference, but there may not be another player who is relied upon more and does more for his team than senior forward Julian Mavunga. In addition to averaging a MAC-leading 18.4 ppg and 9.6 rpg in a league-leading 38.4 minutes per game, Mavunga is also helping to get his teammates shots. With a great deal off defensive attention being paid to the 6-foot-8 forward, Mavunga is averaging 4.0 assist per game in MAC play, which ranks 12th among league leaders. He is coming off a 17-point, 7-assist performance against Bowling Green, contributing to 33 of the RedHawks’ 57 points which accounted for 57.89 percent of the RedHawks’ scoring against the Falcons. His seven assists tied his career high. In a straw poll by ESPN.com for National Player of the Year, Mavunga was one of 17 players—and the only MAC player—to receive votes.

SHARP SHOOTER: Hitting 45.7 percent of his 3-point shots this season, freshman guard Brian Sullivan is among the top freshmen 3-point shooters in the country. Sullivan’s 37 triples lead all RedHawks this season and his 2.3 3-pointers per game tie for seventh among all Division I freshmen and are the most by a MAC freshman. Among MAC statistical leaders, Sullivan ranks sixth in 3-point field-goal percentage and third in made 3-pointers per game. He also is shooting 46.8 percent from the field this season, which ranks 15th among MAC statistical leaders.

MINUTE MEN: Miami players have combined to play 40 or more minutes 15 times this season, led by senior forward Julian Mavunga’s nine 40 or more minute games. Three RedHawks—Mavunga, sophomore guard Quinten Rollins and freshman guard Brian Sullivan—played the entire 40 minutes in the RedHawks’ win against Buffalo on Jan. 14. It was a career high for both Rollins and Sullivan. Mavunga ties for second nationally in number of 40-minute games and ranks third in average minutes played (38.4). Sophomore forward Jon Harris played 38 minutes against the Bulls, coming out for just two minutes in the second half, while sophomore center Drew McGhee tied a career high with 28 minutes and played all 20 minutes of the second half. Harris has played the entire 40 minutes twice this season, both coming within Miami’s last four games.

OTHER REDHAWKS EMERGING: Although senior forward Julian Mavunga has been Miami’s bread and butter this season, different players have emerged as scorers for the RedHawks as of late. Against Buffalo, freshman guard Brian Sullivan led all scorers with 17 points. He has scored in double figures in four of Miami’s last seven games. Sophomore guard Quinten Rollins tossed in 13 points against the Bulls, and three of his four double-figure scoring efforts this season have been in Miami’s five wins. Sophomore center Drew McGhee has a strong week last week with a career-high 16 points at Kent State and followed with that with 11 points against Buffalo.

ROLLINS ON A ROLL: Miami’s quarterback on offense and a spark plug on defense, sophomore guard Quinten Rollins does many of the little things that make a difference in the game. Touted as Miami’s top defender, Rollins also has scored in double figures in four of Miami’s last nine games, including a 13-point performance against Buffalo to go along with four assists and three steals. Rollins amassed a career-high 18 points and had four rebounds, three assists and two steals in 39 minutes of action against William & Mary on Dec. 29 and also had a 10-point outing at Kent State on Jan. 11. He also notched five steals, four assists, 11 points and a blocked shot against Belmont on Dec. 17.

LEADER OF THE MAC: Last season senior forward Julian Mavunga led the MAC in conference-only games in rebounding and has only upped his production this season. Through 16 games this season, Mavunga leads the MAC in scoring (18.4 ppg) and rebounding (9.6 rpg). He ranks 38th nationally in scoring and 31st in rebounding and was one of just six players nationally averaging over 18.0 ppg and 9.0 rpg entering the week. As a junior, Mavunga was the only player in the MAC to rank among the top 15 in MAC-only games in points (16.1 ppg, 5th), rebounds (9.5 rpg, 1st) and assists (3.3 apg, 9th). He also ranks among MAC leaders this season in defensive rebounds (7.4, 1st), minutes played (38.4, 1st), offensive rebounds (2.2, 11th) and blocked shots (0.8, t-12th).

YOUTH MOVEMENT: Miami started four sophomores in nine games this season and three sophomores and a freshman in five games. Sophomore guard Quinten Rollins has started 15 games. Sophomore guard Josh Sewell started Miami’s first four games and has made 11 starts, while sophomore center Drew McGhee started Miami’s first four games and its last eight games. Sophomore Jon Harris started the season opener against Dayton and has made 12 starts this season. Sophomore forward Bill Edwards started four games, while freshman guard Will Sullivan made his first career start at Cincinnati and has started five games. Freshman guard Brian Sullivan made his first career start at Kent State and has started three straight games. Of the nine RedHawks who played against Dayton, Saginaw Valley and Cincinnati, five were sophomores and two were freshmen. At one point during the game at Xavier, Miami had two freshmen and three sophomores on the floor.

ABOUT THE BOBCATS: Ohio enters Saturday’s game with a 14-4 overall record and a 2-2 MAC mark and is coming off a decisive 87-65 win over Kent State on Wednesday. Three Bobcats are averaging double figures in scoring, led by D.J. Cooper’s 14.3 ppg. Walter Offutt averages 11.4 ppg, while Ivo Baltic averages 11.1 ppg for the Bobcats. Reggie Keely is averaging a team-leading 5.4 rpg, while Nick Kellogg has sunk 49 3-pointers on the season with a .476 3-point field goal percentage, which ranks eighth nationally. Cooper averages 2.7 steals per game and 5.8 assists per game, which sixth and 25th nationally, respectively. He is one of just a few players nationally to record a triple-double this season. As a team, the Bobcats rank fifth nationally in turnover margin (5.4), 10th in steals per game (9.3) and 10th in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.277).

SERIES WITH OHIO: In the most-contested series in program history, Saturday marks the 190th meeting between Miami and Ohio. The Bobcats hold a 98-91 edge and are 60-27 against the RedHawks when playing in Athens. Miami won both meetings last season, including a thrilling 92-88 triple-overtime win at the Convocation Center on Jan. 9 to open MAC play. In the last meeting between the teams, Miami captured a 76-66 win in Millett Hall to conclude the regular season. The Bobcats’ last win in the series was in the 2010 MAC Tournament Semifinals, 54-42. They had edged Miami earlier that season on Feb. 24 in Athens, 70-68.

UP NEXT: The RedHawks open cross-divisional play on Wednesday, Jan. 25, hosting Toledo at 7 p.m. Miami then hits the road for a 4 p.m. game at Western Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 28 before hosting Eastern Michigan at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1. Miami hits the road for a pair of MAC West Division tilts, traveling to Ball State for a 4 p.m. tip on Saturday, Feb. 4 before heading to Northern Illinois for an 8 p.m. (ET) game on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The RedHawks round out their stint against the MAC West Division hosting Central Michigan at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Probable Miami Starters:
G-Quinten Rollins
G-Will Sullivan
C-Drew McGhee
F-Jon Harris
F-Julian Mavunga

Probable Ohio Starters (based on last game):
G-Nick Offutt
G-D.J. Cooper
G-Nick Kellogg
F-Jon Smith
F-Ivo Baltic

January 19, 2012
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Comeback Falls Short as Bowling Green Edges Miami

Hannah Robertson leads Miami with career-high 19 points.

OXFORD, Ohio—Miami University’s women’s basketball team staged a late comeback, taking the lead after erasing a 13-point deficit, but Bowling Green fought back to regain the advantage. The RedHawks’ game-tying 3-pointer would come up inches short as time expired as the Falcons escaped with a 61-58 win Thursday night, ending Miami’s 10-game winning streak. The RedHawks fall to 14-4 overall and 4-1 in the Mid-American Conference. Bowling Green earned its eighth straight victory, improving to 15-3 overall and 5-0 in the MAC.

Sophomore guard Hannah Robertson led all players with a career-high 19 points and added nine rebounds, while junior forward Kirsten Olowinski notched her ninth double-double of the season and the 26th of her career with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Miami jumped out of the gates, posting a quick 6-2 advantage off a jumper by senior guard Maggie Boyer and a pair of jumpers from Olowinski. The Falcons used a 9-0 run to capture an 11-6 edge with 15:58 to play, a lead they would hold until late into the second half.

Two Hannah Robertson jumpers closed the gap to two points with 9:34 remaining in the opening half, 16-14, but a 13-2 Bowling Green run pushed the Falcon lead to 13 points with 2:45 remaining, 29-16. Miami was able to cut the lead to single digits heading into the half, 32-23.

A BGSU 3-pointer with 19:03 remaining pushed the Falcon lead back to double digits, 35-23, but Miami forged a 7-0 run to shrink the gap to five points, 35-30, with 15:39 left. Bowling Green again pushed its lead to double figures, 41-30, with 14:03 left, but the RedHawks chiseled away and came back to knot the game 44-44 with 6:53 remaining behind a 14-3 rally.

An Osborn jumper with 4:53 remaining handed Miami its first lead since the 17:44 mark of the first half, 50-49. After an Olowinski steal a Hannah Robertson put-back gave Miami a three-point edge with 4:30 remaining, 52-49. The Falcons rattled off seven unanswered points and never looked back.

Miami was able to close within two points with 2:42 remaining off a pair of Olowinski free throws. Bowling Green extended its lead to six with just over a minute remaining, but Miami continued to fight. Hannah Robertson sunk two free throws with 54 seconds left and then hit a jumper with 15 seconds remaining to again put Miami within two points, 60-58.

The RedHawks fouled quickly, sending the Falcons to the line where they missed the first of two charity tosses. With a three-point deficit, Miami had the ball back with 11 seconds remaining and came up just short of sending it into overtime on the last-second 3-point attempt.

Bowling Green had three players score in double figures, led by Alexis Rogers’ 16 points and game-high 11 rebounds. Jessica Slagle chipped in 15 points, while Chrissy Steffen added 12 points.

Miami concludes a two-game home stretch, hosting Western Michigan at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22.