Miami Drops 2nd Consecutive Road Game vs Davidson

By: Jack Mueller

The Miami RedHawks dropped their second consecutive game on the road on Saturday, losing to Davidson by a score of 79-61. 

Davidson’s senior duo David Skogman and Grant Huffman were dominant on offense for the home team, combining for 36 points on 73% shooting from the field. Sophomore guard Reed Bailey was also an X-Factor, getting to the free throw line twelve times and converting every foul shot he took. 

Despite the loss, there are positives for the young Miami squad to build off of. Ryan Mabrey continued his strong start to the season, stepping into his bigger role and seizing the opportunity. The sophomore La Lumiere product led the team with 15 points, connecting three times from behind the arc. Graduate transfer Darweshi Hunter was once again solid, adding 14 points. 

Saturday's game was an example of the growing pains that occur with relying on a young roster. Miami’s core of freshmen struggled to assert themselves against the Wildcats, as the five of them combined for just 19 points in 92 minutes on the court. Fellow newcomers Bryce Bultman and Bradley Dean also failed to have an impact on offense, adding just 13 points between the pair on 3-13 from the field. 

The Wildcats were on the front foot from the moment the game tipped off, jumping out to a 19-6 lead in the first ten minutes behind three consecutive scores by Angelo Brizzi. Davidson was able to maintain their lead throughout the half, holding the RedHawks to just 22 points in the first half, going into the break up by 18. 

The second half was better for Miami, as they were able to match Davidson’s 39 points behind solid offensive play from center Reece Potter. The freshman big man hit two consecutive jumpers after also finding Hunter in the paint for an easy layup at the rim. The RedHawks efforts were not enough to get back into the game though, as back to back threes from Connor Kochera stretched the lead to 28 points halfway through the second half. Ryan Mabrey’s scoring efforts brought Miami within 19, but that's as close as they would get before time expired. 

Miami will have to rebound and regroup quickly, as they travel to Dayton on Tuesday to take on Wright State.