Miami's Danny Horrace takes it strong to the hole under pressure from George Mason's Jon Larranaga. (Mike Simons photo) | ZOOM |

        OXFORD — After shooting 27 percent in its opening game, the Miami basketball team found its scoring touch in its home opener, shooting 51 percent from the field in defeating George Mason 70-65 at Millett Hall Monday night.

        Trailing by three points, George Mason had a chance to tie the game with five seconds remaining, but Rob Anderson's contested 3-pointer went long.

        Miami easily corralled the rebound with less than a second to play to seal its first victory of the season.

        Alex Shorts led Miami (1-1) with 22 points before fouling out for the second straight game and watching the final 49 seconds from the bench.

        “It was probably the best session of defense I played all night,” said Shorts of his final foul of the evening. “The ref said I used too much chest and body. I have to work on moving my feet better.”

        Shorts had given the RedHawks their biggest lead of the game just before picking up his fifth foul while converting a three-point play to give them a 66-61 advantage with 1:08 to play.

        Shorts scored 14 of his points in the second half to lead the Miami comeback. The RedHawks fell behind by as many as 10 points in the first half befor going on a 15-8 run to close the gap to three at halftime, 36-33.

        Sophomore Juby Johnson was a spark for the RedHawks off the bench, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds in 32 minutes.

        More important for his coach, Charlie Coles, Johnson played with greater effort on defense.

        “(Juby) only played six minutes on Saturday,” Coles said. “Tonight he came back and was the difference when he entered the game. He contested every shot and deserved to be on the floor with what he did on both ends.”

        Johnson added, “It always feels good to help the team. I know I didn't play well in practice. I had to come off the bench and give the team a lift. Whatever it takes to get the first win.”

        George Mason shot 52.2 percent from the field and made 10 3-pointers to hang around until the end. Darren Tarver and Anderson led the Colonials with 20 points each.

        “Offensively we played well,” George Mason coach Jim Larranaga said. “Not once did we put the pressure on the inbounder and create turnovers like we wanted to on defense.”

        George Mason tried to rattle Miami point guard Chester Mason, playing only his second college game, by using full-court pressure.

        But Miami broke the press and found lanes to the basket for easy points. Shooting guard Doug Davis, who finished with 19 points, was the main culprit.

        George Mason turned over the ball over 20 times to only 16 Miami turnovers.

        The RedHawks have more than a week before they return to the court at home on Nov.28 against Xavier.

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