Miami (OH) Redhawks
Mid-American Conference (18-14, 10-6)
Seed: #14
Midwest Region
RPI: 92
Big Wins:
1/7 Kent State (65-63), 2/21 Akron (64-62), 3/10 vs Akron (53-52)
Bad Losses:
12/27 at Cincinnati (52-60), 1/14 at Buffalo (51-68), 3/4 at Bowling
Green (64-68)
Last NCAA
Appearance: 1999, Elite Eight loss to Kentucky
Coach:
Charlie Coles (2-3 in 3 NCAA appearances)
Probable
Starters:
Alex Moosman,
Freshman, Guard, 4.5 ppg, 2.8 apg
Michael Bramos,
Sophomore, Forward, 11. ppg, 2.3 apg, 3.8 rpg
Nathan Peavy,
Senior, Forward, 14.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.2 bpg
Tim Pollitz,
Junior, Forward, 15.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg
Monty St.
Clair, Senior, Center, 3.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg
Key
Roleplayers:
Doug Penno,
Senior, Guard, 5.1 ppg, 2.1 apg
Eric Pollitz,
Sophomore, Guard, 1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg
Tyler Dierkers,
Sophomore, Forward, 2.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg
Why They Can
Surprise:
As usual, Coach
Charlie Coles employs a great defensive team. The RedHawks hold their
opponents to under 58 points per game and allow them to shoot under 41%.
Miami will not pick up a bunch of steals, but they will play solid and safe
man-to-man defense.
Forwards
Michael Bramos, Nathan Peavy and Tim Pollitz help the defensive intensity
with their blocking ability, but that trio’s best attribute comes in the
scoring column. Bramos may only make 1.4 three-pointers per game, but he is
still the biggest threat from long range on the team. Peavy is the best
rebounder on the team, but it is Pollitz will get on the offensive glass.
Pollitz averages 15.9 points per game, but even if the scoring is not
working out, the 6-6 junior will help in other ways.
Why They Can
Disappoint:
The RedHawk’s
forwards are the only three players that average over six points per game.
While some of the forwards have perimeter skills, the team really lacks
a consistent scoring threat from anybody else. Doug Penno is a good
three-point shooter, but will not do much else. Alex Moosman has done an
admirable job controlling the team as a freshman, but is not much of a
threat to score.
Who To
Watch:
Monty St. Clair
provides the big body under the basket. The 6-9, 241-pound senior will not
blow anybody away with his stats, but St. Clair will provide a presence
under the basket on the defensive end and do some of the dirty work.
Joel’s
Bracket Says: First Round loss to Oregon
