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Players address recent play during private session, called by Pollitz, then respond by getting victory.
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Monday, January 21, 2008
OXFORD — The Miami RedHawks' 64-57 victory over Buffalo on Sunday came 24 hours after team held a players-only meeting.
"I kinda called it a little bit," senior forward Tim Pollitz said. "I thought it was necessary because we haven't been playing great basketball."
Extras
The RedHawks not only had lost five in a row, but also junior forward Michael Bramos, who is out after having reinjured his left ankle against Kent State on Thursday.
"After practice, we sat down and had a conversation," Pollitz said. "It was good. We kinda let things off."
Pollitz explained that the players, who need to build strong relationships with each other, had been a bit slow to do that this season; slower than last year, at least.
"We're trying to know each other more and more and get a little better each day," he said.
Lopsided scoring
Kenny Hayes hit 6-of-11 field-goal attempts in the first half and scored 14 of the RedHawks' 31 points.
Miami's other players were a combined 4-for-22 from the floor over the first 20 minutes, including 3-for-15 from the Pollitz twins, Tim (2-for-7) and Eric (1-for-8).
It was no accident that Hayes took such an active part in the scoring.
During the players-only meeting, Tim Pollitz, according to Hayes, "told me to step up, so I tried to do my best."
Coles picks up No. 200
It took 29 days and six games after No. 199, but Miami coach Charlie Coles picked up the 200th victory of his Miami career Sunday when the RedHawks beat the Buffalo Bulls.
He joked that his milestone win was similar to a running back gaining 100 yards in 100 carries.
Darrell Hedric holds the Miami record for coaching wins with 216.
Coles also tied former Ohio coach Jim Snyder for second place on the all-time list for MAC wins with 176.
The MAC record is held by Bob Nichols of Toledo with 194.
