Akron V. Miami (Oh)

Roberts, not crying

The Akron Zips played the Miami Redhawks today at the Q in one of the strangest games of basketball I've ever seen. Miami managed only 10 points in the first half. Ten, in the entire half. Undaunted, Charlie Coles and his men managed to follow that up by going down 20 with 17 minutes to play. Then, Akron collapsed. With nine seconds to go, Jon Harris buried a three pointer that capped an incredible and improbable comeback.

Somehow, though, the game became even more compelling in overtime. After Brett McKnight of Akron was violently fouled with 47 seconds to go, he sank two free throws and quieted the Akron crowd that was screaming for an intentional foul call. On the other end, Akron dug in to defend their newest lead. Allen Roberts of Miami rose to shoot a three pointer and began his descent into March infamy. Quincy Diggs fouled Roberts, sending the normally reliable (81.5% on the year) Roberts to the line to give Miami a chance at a two point lead.

Roberts, however, couldn't convert. He made the first but then missed the next two and retreated to the huddle in tears. Akron failed to score and the game went to another overtime. Roberts wasn't done though. With the Redhawks trailing 77-75, he went to the line with 1:07 to play and a chance to tie. And he missed two more. Roberts then lost his man and Brett McLanahan of the Zips buried a dagger. The next Miami possession, Roberts missed again.

Miami fell 82-75. Roberts and his mates combined to miss their last eight from the charity stripe. Akron may be advancing, but it's Miami that everyone will remember.