Former BYU big man Eric Mika had a strong showing in his return to action on Monday afternoon in an 86-83 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

Mika was perfect from the floor and from the foul line while making an impact on the glass on both ends of the floor. He finished the game with eight points on 2 for 2 shooting from the field and 4-for-4 from the foul line. He also added three rebounds and was a +5 while on the floor in 15 minutes of action.

He did most of his damage in the second quarter as he helped the Heat turn an early deficit into a 10-point halftime lead. His first basket of the night came on a big two-hand jam as he filled the lane in transition and was rewarded with the perfect pass from Zak Irvin for the flush.

He followed that up moments later with another basket on the break as he received a drop-off pass from Jake Odum and showed off some really nice touch from deep as he drilled a 21-footer.

He scored his next two points a few minutes later when he drew a flagrant foul after he got struck in the neck and head area by Rakeem Christmas on a box out. Mika responded from the foul line as he nailed both free-throw attempts.

His other free throws came in the third quarter as he was fouled trying to make a kick-out pass for an open three.

Even though he registered just three rebounds, Mika also showed great effort on the backboards. He was especially active on the offensive glass where he was able to draw two fouls going after rebounds.

Said announcer Greg Anthony of Mika’s effort in the game, “Mika is just playing hard. Giving tremendous effort on both ends. Just kinda getting himself into the action.”

Through two games on the floor, Mika is averaging 7.0 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor and 100 percent from the foul line. He has also chipped in with 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 14 minutes.

Mika and the Heat will be back on the floor on Tuesday as they face off with the Detroit Pistons at 3 p.m. MT in a game that can be seen on NBA TV.