Miami RedHawks Secure Thrilling Overtime Victory
In an intense battle at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center in Kent, Ohio, the 25th-ranked Miami RedHawks showcased their resilience by securing a thrilling 107-101 overtime victory against Kent State, maintaining their undefeated record this season. With this win, Miami improved to 20-0 overall and 8-0 in Mid-American Conference (MAC) competition, marking the best start in MAC history. This contest also celebrated the RedHawks’ milestone of 700 conference victories.
Standout Performers
The standout players for Miami included Peter Suder, who lit up the scoreboard with 27 points, and Elan Elmer, who contributed an impressive 25 points. The RedHawks had to dig deep to force overtime, overcoming a late-game deficit. With just under a minute remaining, Kent State was in the driver’s seat, leading 92-88 after Cian Medley drained a critical three-pointer. However, Miami refused to back down, scoring the last four points in regulation to tie the game thanks to Luke Skaljac’s timely layup with mere seconds left.
Overtime and Key Moments
In overtime, Miami quickly seized control, scoring the first six points and never looking back. Elmer’s layup combined with a crucial three-pointer from Skaljac propelled them to a 97-92 lead. Kent State, despite their strong performance—highlighted by Rob Whaley Jr.‘s season-high 27 points and 14 rebounds, and Medley’s 23 points—could not maintain their momentum after a fierce comeback that included a 20-7 run earlier in the second half.
Historic Atmosphere
The atmosphere was electric, with a sellout crowd witnessing Miami’s first ranking since 1999. The RedHawks are now among the select few unbeaten programs in Division I, joined only by top-ranked Arizona and the seventh-ranked Nebraska.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Miami will host UMass on January 27, while Kent State will travel to face Eastern Michigan this Saturday.
