:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52170175/usa_today_9143213.0.jpeg)
Despite have some success at the end of the first half, the Miami RedHawks (4-5) couldn’t do much right on offense as a middling Missouri Tigers (5-3) team dropped them like a bad habit in the 81-55 loss. The Michael Weathers Show hit a snag tonight as he went 5-12 from the field for 12 points and recorded four assists, two rebounds, a block, and a steal as he fouled out of his first game this season. Kevin Puryear had his way for the Tigers with 19 points (12 of which coming in the second half) and eight boards.
After scoring the opening points of the game off of a Logan McClane layup, Miami struggled mightily on the offensive end with scoring drought that lasted over nine minutes as the Tigers took control of the game. The ‘Hawks managed to battle back to get within three points by the last media timeout of the half and finally took back the lead at with 1:56 left in the half with a three-pointer from McClane. A three from Terrence Phillips with 13 seconds left gave the home team a 26-25 advantage going into the locker room at halftime.
Both teams left a lot to be desired on the offensive end as they both shot under 30% from the field, but the Red and White did a good job turning defense into offense with nine points off turnovers. McClane definitely stepped up in the first half with a team-high seven points off of 3-3 shooting as well as two rebounds. Weathers had a solid all-around showing with five points, three assists, a board and a steal.
A 14-0 run by Missouri at the start of the second half gave them control of the game with a 44-27 lead, as well as being in the bonus with over 15 minutes left in the contest. A Tigers’ scoring drought of over three minutes let the ‘Hawks cut into the deficit with a 62-50 score at the 14:11 mark, but it was too little, too late as Missouri reeled off a 10-0 run to help close the game out.
The ball movement for Miami in the second half was awful, as the team had three assists in the last 20 minutes of the game. The Red and White also weren’t very sharp on the defensive end, forcing only six turnovers and committing 17 personal fouls in the half. McClane and Weathers both fouled out for the ‘Hawks, but Marcus Weathers and Bruno Solomun came up big with 15 points between them in the half.
The RedHawks return to the friendly confines of Millett Hall Saturday when they host IUPUI at 3:30 p.m.