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Expect a healthy helping of the basics
Another fundamentally sound Miami team awaits Flyers in 126th meeting between the 3-1 rivals.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
DAYTON — ESPN analyst Steve Lavin tried to explain to TV viewers how Miami University was keeping another athletically superior team befuddled Sunday night.
"I don't think they've had one dunk," Lavin said, "but they run their offense with precision."
Extras
Miami was on its way to a 67-60 decision over Mississippi State, a Southeastern Conference division winner last season with four returning starters. And, as in their season-opening win over Atlantic 10-favorite Xavier and near upset of Pac-10 contender Southern Cal, the RedHawks did most of their damage by playing textbook basketball.
Picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference East Division, they'll take a 3-1 record into their home game Wednesday against rival Dayton, also 3-1. And UD coach Brian Gregory is all too familiar with that fundamentally sound attack.
The Flyers squeaked out a 56-54 win at home a year ago, quickly falling behind by 14, tying the game at halftime and then overcoming another 14-point deficit in the second half.
"You can't talk about Miami and how they play without talking about Charlie Coles," Gregory said of the 12th-year coach. "He has a stamp on that program, and that team plays with his personality — tough, hard-nosed, make you fight for everything. And they'll work for everything.
"The minute you get diverted from matching that type of effort, intensity and discipline, they take advantage of it."
Contrasting styles will be on display in the 126th UD-Miami game. The Flyers have had 15 dunks in their last two games — seven each by Chris Wright and Charles Little — and thrive in transition, while the RedHawks prefer a methodical offense and seldom venture above the rim.
"They know how to play," Gregory said. "It's a team that's really comfortable with who they are, and they know exactly how to win games."
Gregory, though, dismisses the notion that Miami is lacking in athleticism.
"Athletic ability comes in a lot of different forms," he said. "People judge that by how high you jump. How about how well you pass off the dribble? How about your footwork on defense? All that stuff is athletic ability. Sometimes, I think we put it in such a concise category that we do players overall a disservice."
Contact this reporter at 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Next Game
Who: Dayton (3-1) at Miami (3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Radio: WHIO-AM (1290)
TV: Channel 7
