OXFORD, Ohio -- The Bellarmine University men's basketball team battled until the final minutes Saturday evening but came up short in an 80-73 loss to Miami University at Millett Hall.
The Knights trailed 36-31 at halftime but quickly made it a one-possession game after the break.
Jacob Wassler scored three consecutive baskets early in the half, and a
Kenyon Goodin tip-in brought Bellarmine within three at 43-40.
Julius Gizzi followed with a basket to make it 45-42, keeping the Knights in the game.
Bellarmine continued to battle as Miami tried to create separation. A Gizzi 3-pointer and a
Tyler Doyle layup helped trim the deficit to five at 56-51 midway through the half. After Miami pushed its lead back to 10, the Knights answered again.
Sam Donald knocked down a 3-pointer and Doyle converted a pair of free throws to pull Bellarmine within five at 63-58 with 6:58 remaining.
The Knights remained within reach down the stretch, but Miami converted at the free-throw line in the closing moments to preserve the 80-73 victory for the Redhawks. .
Doyle paced Bellarmine with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Goodin added 16 points, while Donald finished with 12 points and four assists. Wassler also reached double figures with 11 points.This marks the first time this season the Knights have had four players reach double figures.
Bellarmine shot 45.5% from the field and scored 50 points in the paint. The Knights were perfect at the free-throw line, converting all 10 attempts. Miami was led by Almar Atlason, Justin Kirby and Kyle Waltz, who each scored 15 points. The RedHawks connected on 10 3-pointers and went 22-of-26 from the free-throw line.
