A solid outing by Perry led Miami to a 102-93 win over Charlotte. "Take away Perry, and we'd have won this thing," said Charlotte coach Bob. "It was a very close game most of the way, and he was the one that put Miami over the top. I thought we had the right game plan and executed well. What's sad is that I don't know what we'd do differently next time, except for hoping for a more mortal performance by him."

Miami coach Bob was happy for the win, but concerned about the team's play. "I didn't think this was a very good team win. Our players seemed tempted to sit around and watch Perry do his stuff. That was enough for the win today, but on another day maybe Perry will be injured or our opponents can counter him, and we'll need the rest of the players to step up as well."

Miami was led by Perry (21 points, 7 boards, 2 assists, a block), James (13 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, a block), Crandell (10 points, 7 boards, 1 assists, 2 steals, a block). Charlotte was led by White (37 points, 7 boards, 1 assists, a steal), Plungis (20 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, a block), Torres (6 points, 4 blocks).

Miami improve to 49-28. They improve to #1 in the Southeast and advance to #3 overall in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte fall to 48-29 and 29-11 at home after today's loss. They fall to #2 in the Southeast and move down to #4 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Miami roster Charlotte roster