‘Hawks upset MAC East leader Bowling Green

By Jack Brewer, For The Miami Student

The Miami University men's basketball team won on the road against Mid-American Conference leader Bowling Green State University Wednesday night.

The RedHawks (10-16, 5-8 MAC) were led offensively by sophomore guard Jaryd Eustace, who finished the game with 14 points. Eustace was one of three RedHawks who scored in double figures. The other two were junior guard Geovonie McKnight and senior guard Will Sullivan. McKnight registered his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Sullivan notched 11 points.

The RedHawks used an 11-0 run in the second half, including seven from Eustace, to go up 50-43 with 11 minutes remaining. The teams went back and forth until the final minute, when the RedHawks buried 6 of 6 from the free throw line to secure the victory. The RedHawks were nearly automatic at the free throw line, making 20 of 21 attempts from the charity stripe.

"We had some guys really step up," head coach John Cooper said. "Jaryd Eustace was huge for us, getting the 14 points and how he got them. Making 3s, driving to the basket, making free throws and came up with a couple steals."

Bowling Green (17-7, 9-4 MAC) was led by senior forward Richaun Holmes, who scored 21 points and hauled in 12 rebounds. Holmes was the only Falcon to score in double figures on the night.

The RedHawks held the Falcons to just 36 percent shooting from the field, while shooting 42.3 percent from the field themselves. The difference came down to free throws for the RedHawks. It was the best performance from the free throw line they have had all season and it paid off.

"We did some things that allow you to be successful on the road," Cooper said. "We had 11 turnovers, I'd like those to be a little bit lower, but we didn't beat ourselves."

The RedHawks look to push their win streak up to three games as they travel to the University of Akron Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. game. They return home to host Kent State University Tuesday, Feb. 24.