Miami’s Ballard clamps down on WSU’s Brown

Vaughn Duggins (44) of Wright State, attempts to penetrate the Redhawks defense, during the game, Sunday, December 13th, 2009, at Millet Hall, in Oxford.

Robert Leifheit/Contributing photographer Vaughn Duggins (44) of Wright State, attempts to penetrate the Redhawks defense, during the game, Sunday, December 13th, 2009, at Millet Hall, in Oxford.

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer Updated 7:00 AM Monday, December 14, 2009

OXFORD — It appeared Wright State senior guard Todd Brown was taking good shots, but he wasn’t getting good results.

In fact, he made only one of 10 shots from the field Sunday, Dec. 13, and didn’t make it once to the free throw line in a 56-55 loss to Miami at Millett Hall.

Brown had no excuses even though he entered the game with a team-leading 16.8 scoring average and was making better than 51 percent of his shots. He had been held to single figures in only one other game, 9 vs. Cleveland State.

“I just couldn’t put it in the hole today,” Brown said. “That’s it.”

Part of the reason was the defense played by Miami junior Antonio Ballard.

“The coaches gave us a great scouting report,” Ballard said. “They gave it to us on DVDs. I took it home and studied (Brown) like an exam.”

He graded out an ‘A.’

Closer than it looked

When WSU gained a 7-point lead at the half thanks to two steals that led two five points on two baskets, Raiders coach Brad Brownell thought the momemtum was not as much in his favor as it appeared.

“The game was back and forth,” Brownell said. “In all honesty, it wasn’t a 7-point lead.”

Tabler hot again

For the second time in three games, junior Troy Tabler had a big game. Against Youngstown State, he scored 24 points. He managed only three the following game at Toledo, but scored 23 against the RedHawks and his four-of-nine from the 3-point line.

“You just give that dude a split second and he can shoot,” Miami’s Kenny Hayes said. “He was almost touching the ‘M’ (at midcourt). How do you stop that?”

Duggins fills in

Wright State was hurt without the use of starting point guard N’Gai Evans, out with a strained MCL. Evans was in street clothes and could return for Wednesday’s game at Mississippi State, but that’s not certain.

With Evans out, Vaughn Duggins took care of most of the point duties and led the team with five assists. He also led with six turnovers. Duggins also followed Tabler in scoring with 13 points.

“I know they didn’t have their point guard,” Miami coach Charlie Coles said. “But I’d rather play against Vaughn Duggins when he doesn’t have the ball.”

Close games

Three of the last four games in this series have ended on the last shot and been determined by a single point. WSU won 57-56 three years ago and 58-57 two years ago.

Reunion weekend

Several former Miami players showed up for a reunion weekend, including John Swann, who played with Miami coach Charlie Coles from 1962-65.

Swann lives with his wife, Diane, in Harrison Township.

Another visitor was Horizon League commissioner Jon LeCrone, Vandalia native.

Contact this reporter at  (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@ DaytonDailyNews.com.

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