Recap: Miami holds out against Air Force for third straight win

Monday night’s back-and-forth battle with the Air Force Falcons (2-7) culminated in a 73-60 victory for the Miami University RedHawks men’s basketball team (5-2).

Junior guard Peter Suder led the way with 42 points, the most of his collegiate career and tied for sixth-most in Miami history.

“I’m just blessed,” Suder said after the game. “It’s great to do it with these guys. I’m just fully honored to play here.”

Miami jumped to a 6-2 lead thanks to layups from Suder and sophomore wing Eian Elmer and a jumper from sophomore guard Mekhi Cooper.

A 3-pointer from Suder preceded back-to-back Falcons’ 3-pointers from sophomore forward Luke Kearney and senior guard Ethan Taylor. Kearney added another three to tie the game 11-11 seven minutes into the half.

A layup from Kearney gave Air Force the lead, which Suder stripped away with six straight points to give the advantage back to the RedHawks.

Taylor’s second 3-pointer of the half and a free throw from sophomore forward Caleb Walker closed the gap, and another 3-pointer from senior guard Jeffrey Mills gave the Falcons a 23-21 advantage.

Both teams shared 15 more points, including four from Suder, and the Falcons headed to the locker room up 30-29 at half.

Despite being down one point, head coach Travis Steele said in the post-game press conference that the team seemed somber. He told the RedHawks that the Falcons were playing as expected, and they needed to keep up the intensity.

“When I walked in, I said, ‘I told you guys, this is going to be played at a snail’s pace,’” Steele said. “It’s hard to speed them up. I said, ‘We gotta finish a little stronger around the rim.’ I felt like we left some layups early on in the game that we missed.”

Suder regained the advantage for Miami at the onset of the second half, but senior guard Byron Brown evened the score 32-32. The RedHawks proceeded to go on a 16-9 run to take a 48-41 lead with 10 minutes on the clock.

After the game, Suder said the team wanted to focus on being more intense on defense and guarding the rim.

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“Our defensive intensity and getting the floor set on offense,” Suder said. “Later in the first half, we just didn’t pressure the ball. They [did] whatever they wanted. With a team like that, that moves and cuts, it’s tough to guard.”

A free throw from Taylor cut Miami’s lead to four, but Suder responded with eight points, including his third 3-pointer of the night. Suder’s run gave Miami a 64-52 lead, its largest so far.

Miami kept Air Force at bay for the remaining minutes, holding a 66-56 lead with under two minutes left. The RedHawks stifled any comeback, and they took their victory 73-60.

“I felt like it was a constant chess battle out there tonight,” Steele said. “Peter was incredible tonight. I would say players win games, coaches lose games. Peter was phenomenal.”

Suder’s performance was the highlight of the night. His 42 points solidified himself in the top 10 of Miami history for points scored in a single game.

In addition to his offensive stats, he also contributed three steals, two turnovers and one block. Instead of needlessly adding points, Suder ensured that the RedHawks defense would win the game.

“He had three steals, multiple deflections,” Steele said. “I thought some of his best plays of the night were on the defensive end. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to win.”

The remaining players contributed 31 points, including nine from Elmer and seven from first-year guard Luke Skaljac. Redshirt sophomore wing Kam Craft, now the team’s second-leading scorer, shot 0-7 inside and 0-3 outside the arc, his worst performance of the season so far.

The RedHawks hit the road later this week for a matchup at Assembly Hall against the Indiana University Hoosiers (5-2) at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6.

@thekethan04

babukc2@miamioh.edu