ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — Antonio Ballard scored 26 points, hauled in 12 rebounds, and played all 55 minutes as Miami (Ohio) outlasted Ohio 92-88 in three overtimes Sunday.
The score in the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams was tied 16 times, including 33-33 at halftime and 65-65 at the end of regulation. Twelve lead changes took place before the Redhawks (6-9) took the lead for good, on Orlando Williams’ 3-pointer with 29 seconds left.
Ohio’s D.J. Cooper tried to tie it for the 17th time on a 3-point attempt with 14 seconds left, but missed. The Bobcats (7-8) fouled Ballard, who grabbed the rebound, and Ballard hit both free throws to put the game out of reach.
Cooper led all scorers with 27 points and added 11 assists for a double-double.
Three Ohio players — Reggie Keely, DeVaughn Washington and T.J. Hall — fouled out, while only one did for Miami — Nick Winbush.
