CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Even though two seniors saw their Ball Statecareers end with a 72-67 loss to Miami, they have left animpression on the team that will be seen in years to come, headcoach Tim Buckley said.
Seniors Robert Owens and Cameron Echols played their lastcollegiate games in the quarterfinals of the Mid-AmericanConference Tournament on Thursday.
"I think they mean a great deal to the program," head coach TimBuckley said. "I think they have done an outstanding job ofspringboarding for the future."
Owens led the team with his 17 points and seven rebounds. Hekept the RedHawks from getting a double-digit lead early in thegame by scoring seven of the Cards' first 10points.��
"Robert's been a guy that I've really enjoyed working with forfour years and seeing him grow and develop," Buckley said.
Echols wasn't able to make the same kind of impact as Owens inthe game, as he got into foul trouble early going into halftimewith three fouls. He averages 24 minutes a game, but played only 16and struggled from the floor during that time. He converted justone of seven field goals and made one free throw to finish withthree points and three rebounds.
"We got a big break when Echols got in foul trouble," Miami headcoach Charlie Coles said. "Anytime you play a game and CameronEchols scores three points and plays 16 minutes, then you can countit all joy."
One reason Echols and a few other Cards struggled shooting wasMiami's strong defensive presence.
"(Miami) can force you into bad shots instead of making passesand being more poised and patient," Buckley said.
Even though it wasn't the way either senior wanted to end hisseason, Buckley said they'll move on to doing an outstanding jobwith something else.
"Those two guys, if they're going to be committed to somethingin the future," said Buckley. "They'll do an outstanding job withit."
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