DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Tim Pollitz is the hottest player in the Mid-American Conference, but if he wants to find a player capable of giving him a run for his money, all he has to do is look at the guy standing next to him during the national anthem.

Nathan Peavy, a graduate of Chaminade-Julienne High School, saved his best for his last game on the home court Saturday, scoring a career-high 24 points and grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds as Miami turned back Buffalo, 80-68, in the regular-season finale at Millett Hall.

Peavy, a 6-foot-8 senior forward, connected on 8-of-14 field-goal attempts and 7-of-9 free throws and also blocked a shot. When he was taken out of the game in the closing minutes, he received a loud ovation from the crowd of 4,327 and a hug from coach Charlie Coles.

"That's pretty nice. I guess I can't ask for more," Peavy said. "That's the way to go out on your home court on Senior Night."

Pollitz, meanwhile, had what is becoming a typical Pollitz game. He scored 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting and also had eight rebounds and two steals.

Saturday's contest marked the third time in the last six games Peavy and Pollitz have combined for more than 40 points. The RedHawks are 3-0 in those games and have won by an average margin of 11.7 points.

More on Peavy

"Peavy's just got so much ability," Coles said. "We're just trying to get him to play to his ability."

Peavy reached a milestone Saturday. When he slammed a dunk with 25 seconds left in the first half, he became the 31st player in school history with 1,000 points for his career.

Peavy was honored during pregame ceremonies, as were seniors Doug Penno (Alter High School) and Monty St. Clair.

Still streaking

The victory was the third straight for Miami (15-12, 10-4 MAC) and 10th in its last 12 games. It also was the ninth consecutive home victory for the RedHawks.

Looking ahead

Miami will play at Ohio on Thursday night in a game that will go a long way in determining whether the RedHawks get a first-round bye in the MAC tournament set for March 7-10 in Cleveland.

Next game

Who: Miami (15-12, 10-4) at Ohio (17-10, 8-5)

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

MAC scoreboard

Kent State 73, Ohio 71: Omni Smith's jumper with 4 seconds left gave Kent State 18-9, 10-3) a road win. Beavercreek's Jerome Tillman scored 12 for OU.

Akron 93, Bowling Green 87: Romeo Travis scored a career-high 37 points to lead conference-leading host Akron (21-6, 11-3) in a shootout against BG (12-16, 2-12).

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.