Miami RedHawks Achieve Impressive Victory
In an exhilarating showdown on Tuesday night, the 24th-ranked Miami (Ohio) RedHawks achieved an impressive 21-0 record by narrowly defeating UMass 86-84 at home in Oxford, Ohio. Eian Elmer led the charge with a remarkable 30-point performance, setting a personal best and hitting 9 of 14 from the field, including six successful three-point attempts. This victory underscores Miami’s outstanding season, placing them among the two remaining undefeated teams in Division I, alongside top-ranked Arizona, which also boasts a flawless record after its recent triumph over BYU.
Record-Setting Streak
By clinching this victory, Miami matched a record for the longest in-season winning streak in Mid-American Conference history, tying with the 2001-02 Kent State team.
Key Performers
Elmer not only contributed on the scoreboard with 18 points in the first half but also secured seven rebounds. His efforts were supported by teammates Peter Suder and Justin Kirby, who each added 13 points—Suder also dishing out nine assists—which helped push Miami to a 9-0 record in conference play.
For UMass (13-9, 4-6), Leonardo Bettiol was a standout performer, recording a double-double with 22 points and 16 rebounds. His teammates Marcus Banks Jr. and Daniel Hankins-Sanford added 18 and 16 points, respectively, as the Minutemen sought to overcome a late deficit.
Game Highlights
With just over two minutes left, Miami gained an 82-75 edge, but UMass responded valiantly. After a foul on K’Jei Parker resulted in three free throws with only 8.8 seconds remaining, the finish was tense. Suder made one of two free throws with 4.4 seconds left, and UMass’ Bettiol snatched the rebound. He managed to pass it to Isaiah Placide, whose half-court shot did not find the mark, securing the win for the RedHawks.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, UMass will face Eastern Michigan in their next matchup on Saturday, while Miami prepares to host Northern Illinois.
