Tito Fades, but Miami Edges SDSU : Horford Commits Key Turnovers in 83-82 Overtime Win

Jerry West, the Lakers general manager, was here as were scouts from the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks.

“Here to see Tito,” West said.

Unfortunately, Tito Horford was seen but not heard from in the University of Miami’s 83-82 overtime victory Saturday night over San Diego State.

For real, the game went to overtime. The Aztecs (2-18) gained an early 17-point lead but were outscored, 29-6, over the next 10 1/2 minutes, which figured. Of the 2,174 fans in the stands, six were wearing bags over their heads.

The Aztecs still almost pulled off the miracle (they haven’t won since Dec. 27), overcoming an 11-point lead in the last 3 minutes 7 seconds to send the game into overtime. The coach’s son, Darryl Gaines (21 points), tied it with a three-pointer with 43 seconds left.

Later, trailing by one with 30 seconds left in overtime, the Aztecs got two shots at the basket. J. T. Debbs missed a shot (front rim) at the top of the key with eight seconds left, but the ball fell out of bounds off Miami’s Tim Dawson.

Six seconds remained and Tony Ross tried a double-pump jump shot that fell off the rim. It was over.

Horford finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks, but let’s talk more about his turnovers.

Gaines made a free throw with 1:32 left in regulation to make the score 72-67, Miami. The inbound pass came to Horford. Coach Bill Foster had him in the game, even though Tito is a freshman, because he’s 7-foot-1 and can see over buildings, much less full-court presses.

“But Tito froze,” Foster said later.

He did. Once he got that inbound pass, he was supposed to find a guard, but he found guard Kevin Presto’s foot, the ball bounding out of bounds.

Then Miami’s Mark Richardson fouled Gaines, who had driven to the basket. Gaines made both free throws and the Aztecs trailed by three with 1:07 left.

Tito turnover No. 2: He got the next inbound pass and tried throwing a long ball to Presto. It was overthrown, and that’s when Gaines hit his three-pointer (it was far enough maybe to be an NBA three-pointer).

The Aztecs had now tied it up and had the right idea. Horford caught his third straight inbound pass and was fouled immediately.

Horford shoots 54% from the line, but the coaches say he’s been shooting 200 free throws in practice these days.

But with 38 seconds left in regulation--the score tied--Tito almost shot an air ball. It hit the front rim and the Aztecs rebounded and called time. They ran a back-door play for William Campbell, but Campbell was either pushed or tripped by Presto (21 points) and the ball flew out of bounds.

Miami tried a long pass for Horford, but Joel Warren hurled the ball way over Horford’s head and out of bounds. Four seconds were left and the Aztecs had the ball underneath their own basket.

Ross missed at the buzzer.

In overtime, Horford made two free throws, but then Foster took him out.

With a smaller lineup, Miami jumped ahead. But Gaines’ three-pointer made it 80-76, Aztecs, with 2:11 left. Johnny Scruggs’ layup seconds later made it 82-78, Aztecs.

A victory? An end to their 11-game losing streak?

No. Eric Brown (19 points) scored, was fouled and completed a three-point play with 1:12 left. It was 82-81, Aztecs. Campbell, driving to the hoop, was then called for an offensive foul.

With 30 seconds left, Brown made two free throws, putting Miam (10-9) ahead for good.

“This wasn’t one of Tito’s most energetic games,” Foster said afterward. “Oh God, he’s been better. Against Marquette, he was never fading away on his jumper. But he did tonight. That’s freshman stuff. He shouldn’t fade against anybody.”

“Tito should stay in college,” Jerry West said when the night was over.