The Miami University RedHawks men’s basketball team (13-4, 5-0 in conference play) emerged victorious this afternoon over the Kent State University Golden Flashes (11-6, 2-3 in conference play). Miami’s 70-61 victory continues the team’s seven-game winning streak.
The RedHawks jumped to a 7-2 advantage early in the first half. They kept the lead for 13 minutes before sophomore guard Cian Medley tied the score 23-23. After a free throw from redshirt senior forward VonCameron Davis, the Golden Flashes held a nine-point lead for the rest of the half.
After 20 minutes, sophomore guard Cian Medley and senior center Cli’Ron Hornbeak contributed 19 points to Kent State’s 41. However, 10 points each from sophomore wing Eian Elmer and redshirt first-year wing Brant Byers kept the RedHawks in the game.
Miami opened the second half with a 6-0 run, including a 3-pointer from sophomore guard Mekhi Cooper. Junior forward Delrecco Gillespie gave Kent State its first points of the half, but a layup from Peter Suder evened the score 43-43.
Senior guard Jalen Sullinger briefly gave Kent State a 46-45 advantage, but the RedHawks eventually retook the lead. Miami was up 64-54 with under five minutes to go.
Two free throws from Cooper closed out the scoring, and Miami took its fifth-straight win 70-61.
Byers led the roster with 15 points, including three 3-pointers and four free throws. Elmer finished with 14 points after scoring 10 in the first half.
After a quiet first half, Cooper scored 12 points, with half coming from shots behind the arc. He also finished with five rebounds and turned the ball over twice.
Medley led Kent State with 15 points and made three 3-pointers. Three additional Golden Flashes finished with double-digit points: Sullinger (11), Hornbeak (10) and Gillespie (10).
The RedHawks jump to first in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) ahead of the University of Akron Zips (12-5, 5-0 in conference play).
Miami will visit Akron next weekend, but first, the team will return to Millett Hall for a midweek matchup against the Bowling Green State University Falcons (7-10, 2-3 in conference play) on Jan. 21.
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