Jan. 31, 2002

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THE GAME
After a week off following its 80-77 triumph over Mid-American Conference West Division leader Ball State last Saturday, Miami (8-11, 5-3 MAC) embarks on a rough stretch of conference games beginning at Bowling Green (15-4, 5-3 MAC) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The RedHawks will play six games over a two-week stretch, including four road contests. Venues outside of Oxford have not been favorable for the RedHawks, who have earned just two wins away from Millett Hall this season and only one true road win. Ironically, Miami's last home loss to a MAC foe was to the Falcons last season (67-63 OT). The RedHawks have won seven straight league games at home, including four this season. Bowling Green's Anderson Arena also has not been a favorable place for the RedHawks. In its past 10 visits, Miami has dropped seven games, including five straight. The Falcons are 7-1 on their home court this season with their lone loss at the hands of Kent State on Saturday (70-67).

Bowling Green rebounded to capture a 78-66 triumph on Wednesday night after having lost three of its previous four games. Until a 92-79 loss at Ball State, Bowling Green manufactured a 12-game win streak. The Falcons boast the league's top scoring tandem in Keith McLeod (23.8 points per game) and Len Matela (15.6 ppg). Matela also leads the team on the boards, averaging 8.1 per contest. Alex Shorts, Doug Davis and Juby Johnson lead the RedHawks in scoring, averaging 13.7, 11.9 and 11.3 ppg, respectively. Davis and Johnson have been hot in league games, posting 17.5 and 14.5 points per game, respectively.