DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Just when Michael Bramos seemed to be back in a groove for the Miami RedHawks, he got derailed again.

For most purposes, the game was over. With 8 seconds remaining and Kent State holding a 12-point lead, Bramos landed awkwardly near the KSU basket and crumpled to the floor, face down, and stayed there.

A couple minutes later, Bramos, who had snapped out of his shooting slump with a game-high 23 points, was helped off the court — a towel shading his face — after reinjuring the left ankle he had sprained on Dec. 15 against Wright State.

A Miami spokesperson said Bramos' ankle would be evaluated today.

Bramos cemented the respect the Golden Flashes apparently already held for him during Miami's 74-62 loss when he connected on 9-of-18 field goals, including 3-of-8 from the 3-point arc.

"He's a hard guy to guard," Kent State coach Jim Christian said of Bramos. "He's a lot more athletic than people give him credit for. If you give him any room, he's going to knock it in."

Haddix gets a chance

Miami's 6-foot-3 freshman guard, Rodney Haddix of Georgetown, Ky., made only his second appearance for the RedHawks in Thursday's loss to Kent State.

In 7 minutes of action, the seldom-used Haddix had two assists, a steal and a rebound.

He also went 0-for-3 from the field. But then Bramos, Tim Pollitz, Kenny Hayes, Tyler Dierkers and Dwight McCombs were the only RedHawks with baskets.

The other eight Miami players who got into the game were a combined 0-for-13 from the field.

Haddix's other appearance, which lasted five minutes, came Dec. 22 in the 78-54 loss at Kansas.

Looking ahead

Miami will try to snap its five-game losing streak Sunday afternoon when the Buffalo Bulls visit Millett Hall. The tip-off is set for 2 p.m., a change from the original starting time of 5 p.m.

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