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RedHawks coach has some advice about shooting for junior Eric Pollitz.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
OXFORD — Freshman Nick Winbush made his first start for the Miami University basketball team during the RedHawks' 65-52 victory over Eastern Michigan on Saturday.
The 6-foot-7 forward played a total of 9 minutes and had one rebound. He took two shots, including a 3-pointer, and missed both.
Extras
It marked the first time in 10 games that Eric Pollitz did not start, though he did come off the bench to play 25 minutes. He finished with two points, six rebounds and two assists.
"I just don't think Eric had been playing very well," Miami head coach Charlie Coles said.
"I don't think players understand that shooting is like borrowing money from the bank. If you don't pay it back, you don't get to borrow any more money."
And shooters, obviously, won't keep getting the ball if they can't start making shots.
Pollitz went 1-for-4 from the field against EMU and over the last four games is 3-for-26.
Getting back to 20
Tim Pollitz' 22 points marked the fifth time this season he has scored 20 or more points in a game, but the first time since Dec. 18, when he tallied 26 in Miami's 74-68 win at home against Chicago State. He scored fewer than 20 in eight straight games.
During that span, the only RedHawks who scored 20 were Michael Bramos (23 against Kent State on Jan. 17) and Kenny Hayes (20 against Buffalo on Jan. 20).
"Tim was getting one-on-ones all night because (the Eagles) were hugging the shooters on the outside," said Miami's Tyler Dierkers, who had seven assists, four of which resulted in baskets by Pollitz.
More on Pollitz
Tim Pollitz, who started the season as Miami's career leader in field-goal percentage with 58.0, has seen that mark slip slightly to 57.4, but he still leads Archie Aldridge, the former Middletown High School great, whose 57.1 percentage had been the standard for nearly three decades.
Next on the schedule
The RedHawks will seek their third win in the last four games Wednesday night when they face the Northern Illinois Huskies in DeKalb.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
