DaytonDailyNews.com

FAIRBORN — Miami senior Michael Bramos seemed more relieved than anything following the RedHawks' 55-37 victory over Wright State on Monday, Nov. 24, at the Nutter Center.

And no, it wasn't so much the way Miami was able to avoid the heroics turned in by the Raiders in each of the last two years when they won on last-second shots, although that certainly was on the minds of others — like Miami coach Charlie Coles.

"Last year we came in here and got the lead and stopped playing in the second half, we just stopped playing offense, and they caught up," Coles said of the 58-57 loss at Wright State in which Todd Brown nailed a 3-point basket at the buzzer.

These RedHawks now have other things on their minds.

"We needed this win pretty badly going into Xavier (on) Saturday," Bramos said.

The RedHawks' game at the Cintas Center on Saturday will mark the third time in five games Miami will have faced a Top 25 team.

Miami lost to No. 4 UCLA 64-59 and four days later was defeated by No. 6 Pittsburgh 82-53.

Xavier is ranked No. 16.

The best so far

When asked whether the RedHawks' win Monday was the best they've played this season, Miami senior point guard Kenny Hayes said maybe, Coles said definitely.

"I'd say yes, this and UCLA," Hayes said.

"This is the best our team has played this year," Coles said, adding that he particularly liked the play of his collective defense.

Notable numbers

• Bramos and Hayes scored 39 of Miami's 55 points. Only three other players scored points: Tyler Dierkers (six), Antonio Ballard (six) and Eric Pollitz (four). The seven other Miami players who saw action took just four shots and missed them all.

• In addition to his 19 points, Bramos had seven rebounds and two blocked shots.