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Miami's Bramos had a season-high 34 points / Photo: Mike Smith

Michael Bramos led the way with a season-high 34 points. Hitting field goals (10 of 17) nailing treys (4 of 7) and draining free throws (10 of 12), Bramos was once again a thorn in the side of the Flashes. He had 24 points in Miami ’s 66-55 win at Kent Jan. 17.

“He always seems to have our number a little bit and (plays) well against us. We don’t have a real good matchup for him at the defensive end,” said Flashes coach Geno Ford, who noted his team may have primed Bramos early.

“We fouled him on a jump shot n the first minute of the game. He goes to the line and makes a couple. Anytime you are a shooter and you get to see the ball go in a couple times, your confidence goes up,” Ford said.

“I’m expecting more of that,” Coles said of Bramos’ offensive contributions. “Seniors are supposed to go out in a blaze of glory.”

In addition to Bramos, another Miami senior who played a critical role in the game was Carl Richburg. Taking over the point guard position for Eric Pollitz, who injured his knee last week and will not return to action this season, Richburg had nine assists and two turnovers while guiding the RedHawks offense. His 38 minutes of action against Kent State was a career high.

Bramos “was the difference in the game, but that being said, I think Richburg was the key with his decision-making,” Ford said. “He didn’t turn it over and had a great floor game.”

“He was huge,” said Miami senior forward Tyler Dierkers, adding he believes Richburg can continue to contribute at a high level.

Kent State was successful on13 of 36 (36.1 percent) from the field in the second half, including 4 of 15 from beyond the arc. The Flashes also made 3 of 7 free throws toward a game total of 4 for 11 (36.4 percent).

Another Kent State problem not directly reflected by the score was fouls. Al Fisher had three fouls in the first half and was limited to eight minutes. He eventually fouled out after playing 20 minutes and scoring eight points.

Chris Singletary also fouled out and Mike McKee had four fouls. According to Ford, the foul problems forced KSU to defend a little less aggressively.

“ Kent ain’t the same team when they are in foul trouble,” Coles said.

Miami held small leads through much of the early second half. However, Kent State finally edged in front on a Fisher trey at 4:54. Dierkers hit a jumper to knot the score at 56-56 before the Flashes got their last lead on a free throw by Fisher at 3:58.

After a Bramos trey, Kent State had three chances to score at the other end. None went down, and shortly thereafter Bramos rolled in a layup. “That was the possession that changed the game,” Ford said. “The game can change that quick. We went from one up to four down in two possessions.”

Miami made 12 of 24 (50 percent) from the field in the second half and was 3 of 6 on three-point attempts. One of those successful long range shots belonged to Dierkers, who gave Miami a seven-point lead at 64-57. The RedHawks kept KSU at a distance the remainder of the way. Jordan Mincy’s three-pointer at the buzzer narrowed the final gap to five points.

“I was so happy to win that game,” Coles said. “We’ve had a rough time of it lately …. These guys have worked awfully hard this season, so it’s good to see them get that victory.”

Tyree Evans (15), Jordan Mincy (14) and Justin Green (10) were in double figures for Kent State. Antonio Ballard (13) and Dierkers (10) joined Bramos in double figures for the RedHawks.

Kent State (16-13, 8-6 MAC) remains at home for its final two games. The Flashes host Buffalo Thursday and end the regular season against rival Akron .

Miami (16-11, 9-5) stays at home for its Thursday matchup against Bowling Green and then travels to Buffalo Sunday. The RedHawks won at Bowling Green Jan. 20, but BGSU then ran off nine wins in 10 conference games to grab a share of first place in the MAC East standings.