By Mark Schmetzer
Enquirer contributor

OXFORD - Gene Seals was as surprised by his contributions to Miami's victory over Akron on Saturday as he was at the RedHawks' overall rebounding dominance.

Gene Seals got physical with UC guard Leonard Stokes in last year's game. (Thomas E. Witte/file photo)

"Twelve rebounds," the 6-foot-6 senior forward said, glancing at the stat sheet from Miami's 68-60 win. "That's pretty surprising. I didn't think I was rebounding that much. I guess I don't know myself."

That Seals was unaware of his contributions against the Zips, which included a game-high seven offensive rebounds, isn't surprising. He's that type of player, Miami coach Charlie Coles said.

"Gene's the piano player on this team," Coles said. "I love jazz. I read about it all the time. The piano player's a person who always plays below the vocalist, and the only time you hear the piano player is when he does a solo. Other guys are out there playing, shooting, doing other things, and Gene's always out there playing. You can still hear him - in the background."

Seals might be quiet, but he still makes an impression. In the two games he has started in place of the injured Danny Horace, he has contributed a combined 26 points and 21 rebounds to wins at Buffalo and over Akron at Millett Hall.

The RedHawks (6-5, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) will need a similar effort tonight when they take on Kent State (10-2, 4-0), the East Division leader, in a 7 p.m. game at Millett Hall.

Seals, who started 28 of the 90 games he'd played going into this season, missed the preseason and the first regular-season game with a knee problem. He wasn't able to play more than 18 minutes until logging 30 in his start against the Bulls last Wednesday. He played 38 minutes against Akron.

"Since he's been back, it's been nothing but electric out there," junior guard Chet Mason said.

Miami is facing a Kent State team that is 4-0 in the MAC for the first time in school history. The Golden Flashes, who have won the last three East Division championships, extended their winning streak to five games with an 80-71 victory over Ohio at Kent State on Saturday. They also have won their last five games against Miami.

Kent State lost 6-9 junior Nate Gerwig to a season-ending knee injury, but the Golden Flashes installed 7-foot senior John Edwards into the starting lineup and haven't missed a beat.

Coles might try to counter size with size by giving Monty St. Clair, the 6-9 freshman from Roger Bacon, his second start of the season.

Miami vs. Kent State

Tipoff: 7 p.m. today, Millett Hall (9,200), Oxford.

Records: Miami 6-5 (2-1 Mid-American Conference), Kent State 8-2 (4-0 MAC).

TV: None.

Radio: WCKY-AM (1360), WMOH-AM (1450).

Line: Pick.

Series: Miami leads 77-33.

KENT STATE

Player	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Bryan Bedford	Sr.	6-4	7.5
John Edwards	Sr.	6-4	11.8
Matt Jakeway	Sr.	6-3	7.8
Eric Haut	Sr.	6-2	13.2
DeAndre Haynes	So.	6-2	9.4

Coach: Jim Christian (32-11, second season; same overall).

MIAMI

Player	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Chet Mason	Jr.	6-4	11.5
Josh Hausfeld	So.	6-3	9.3
Juby Johnson	Sr.	6-5	14.7
Gene Seals	Sr.	6-6	4.9
Monty St. Clair	Fr.	6-9	0.8
Or: Tim Schenke	Jr.	6-6	3.9

Coach: Charlie Coles (126-97, eighth season; 218-182 overall)