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Close loss to Xavier gives Miami little consolation

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2:30 AM Saturday, November 19, 2011

By Jay Morrison

Staff Writer

CINCINNATI — The Miami University men’s basketball team played 30 minutes of solid basketball Friday night at Xavier to put itself in position to beat a ranked opponent for the first time in 10 years.

But the RedHawks weren’t taking in solace in coming close following their 66-60 loss to the No. 13 Musketeers.

“Nobody likes moral victories,” said sophomore Bill Edwards, who led Miami with a career-high 21 points and eight rebounds.

“We can’t take it as a moral victory because we didn’t play our best,” added Julian Mavunga, who scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds. “Down the stretch they played better than we did.”

The last time Miami beat a ranked opponent was Dec. 20, 2001, a 73-67 victory against No. 11 Boston College in the Hawaii Rainbow Classic.

The RedHawks could get another chance later this month when they play Cincinnati, currently ranked No. 23, on Nov. 29.

Sullivan slowed: After hitting four 3-pointers and scoring 14 points in his college debut, Miami freshman Brian Sullivan was held to three points on 1-of-3 shooting from behind the arc Friday night.

“Let’s face it: (Xavier) just had a meeting and said we’re going to hound him,” Coles said. “They really got after him. I can understand that because he had 14 (points in the opener), and they weren’t going to let him beat them on their home court.”

Sullivan still showed Coles something during his 20 minutes on the court.

“I thought Brian played pretty good,” Coles said. “I thought he guarded (Tu) Holloway pretty good.”

Sullivan had a blocked shot against the senior All-American and was a big reason why Holloway scored just nine points on 3-of-12 shooting.

No novocaine needed: Xavier coach Chris Mack used an interesting analogy to describe what it’s like to play against Miami.

“Past coaches here at Xavier have likened playing Miami of Ohio to going to the dentist,” Mack said. “But I would much prefer go to the dentist than play a Charlie Coles-coached team.

“He does a tremendous job, but I don’t want to discredit his players,” Mack continued. “I think coach does a tremendous job coaching his team. But he’s got some very talented players. Mavunga and Edwards are really good, and they’re going to be all-conference players.”

Tu needs four: Xavier senior All-American Tu Holloway scored nine points to close within four of the 25th spot on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,271 points.

With 20 points in his next game against Friday at home against Georgia, he could pass three Muskie greats — Jerry Helmers (1,275), Dave Piontek (1,287) and Derek Strong (1,291).

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2193 or jmorrison@coxohio.com.

Focus on your home teams Miami vs. Xavier notes

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