Cutting turnovers key to beating UC, Coles says

RedHawks, averaging 17 a game, take on a pressing Bearcats squad in Cincinnati tonight.

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12:16 AM Tuesday, November 29, 2011

By Pete Conrad

Staff Writer

OXFORD — Two games into the season Miami University basketball coach Charlie Coles was frustrated by turnovers.

Four games in, even more so.

“Judgment,” Coles said. “Turnovers. We’re not taking any responsibility for that, and that’s sad.”

The RedHawks have yet to commit fewer than 15 turnovers in a game, and tonight they face a University of Cincinnati squad known for its pressure defense, and which has won 12 straight over Miami.

“I’m yelling and screaming,” Coles said. “I’ve got to hold my tongue, but I’m very disappointed in our team. Two or three guys don’t seem to understand you don’t win games by throwing it away.

“I’m going to win this battle,” he promised. “Sometimes it looks like we’re not trying to make the good play, the safe play. We’re averaging 17 turnovers a game. The last two years we’ve become a high turnover group.”

Coles said at times the players look like they’re trying to be the Miami Heat rather than the Miami RedHawks.

Because of turnovers, he said, “you don’t get a chance at the basket, and you don’t get to play defense 5-on-5.”

The Bearcats have had their own troubles.

UC has yet to play away from home, but has lost two of its last three, including a 56-54 setback to Presbyterian on Nov. 19.

Coles doesn’t care about that. “Regardless of what they’ve done to date, I still regard them as a top 40 team in the country,” he said.

“They’ve got five kids who played very well against us last year,” Coles said. “First of all is (Yancy) Gates, who in my mind is a No. 1 draft choice. He’s got a soft touch, great balance when he plays and he can hit the outside jump shot. I really like him. He’s a very good player.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or Pete.Conrad@coxinc.com.

Today’s game

Who: Miami RedHawks (2-2) at Cincinnati Bearcats (3-2)

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Fifth Third Arena (13,167), Cincinnati

TV: FS Ohio

Radio: WMOH-AM (1450), WLW-AM (700)

Series: Cincinnati leads 94-52

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