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Preview: Men’s basketball looks to end drought against Kent State on Love.Honor.Care Day

Sophomore guard Evan Ipsaro going for a layup against Toledo on Feb. 11 at Millett Hall
Sophomore guard Evan Ipsaro going for a layup against Toledo on Feb. 11 at Millett Hall

The Miami University RedHawks men’s basketball team (19-7, 10-3 in conference play) looks to end its losing streak tonight at 8 p.m. when the Kent State University Golden Flashes (18-8, 8-5 in conference play) visit Millett Hall. 

The RedHawks took their second defeat in Mid-American Conference (MAC) against the Western Michigan University Broncos on Feb. 15, ending their five-game winning streak. 

Miami followed with another defeat to the Eastern Michigan University Eagles on Feb. 18. The RedHawks hadn’t lost back-to-back games all season until their matchup against the Eagles. 

Despite leading the MAC in 3-point percentage (.390 this season), Miami played one of its worst games behind the arc against Eastern Michigan. The RedHawks sank six triples on 26 attempts, good for a 23.1% accuracy, their third-lowest of the season. 

Poor accuracy overall characterized the RedHawks’ performance against the Eagles. They shot 25-63 (.397) on field goals, only ranking higher than their 20-65 (.308) game against the Indiana University Hoosiers.  

Sophomore wing Eian Elmer and redshirt sophomore wing Kam Craft led the roster with 19 and 11 points respectively, but Miami’s usual top-scorers underperformed. Redshirt first-year wing Brant Byers, who averages 10.7 points in MAC play, scored two points against Eastern Michigan. 

Other notable scorers played a similar game, with junior guard Peter Suder (13.0 points per game) and sophomore guard Mekhi Cooper (8.9 points per game) combining for 11 points. 

While the RedHawks continued their drought, the Golden Flashes are currently playing their best basketball of the season. 

With a 91-84 victory over the Bowling Green State University Falcons on Feb. 18, Kent State continued its winning streak of five games. The Golden Flashes haven’t lost in almost a month, with their last defeat coming against the undefeated University of Akron Zips on Jan. 31. 

Kent State dominated the first half against Bowling Green. With the game tied 13-13 after seven minutes, the Golden Flashes proceeded to score 11 points while allowing none for five minutes. They went on another scoring run in the final two minutes, adding seven points while allowing four to take a 41-28 advantage at half. 

The Golden Flashes held their double-digit advantage through most of the second half. Despite a late-game comeback from the Falcons, Kent State took its fifth-straight win 91-84. 

Senior guard Jalen Sullinger put up his best stats all season with 32 points and a perfect free throw percentage on his 15 attempts. Sullinger also finished with five assists.

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Redshirt senior forward VonCameron Davis, Kent State’s top scorer, brought in 22 points, including three 3-pointers, against the Falcons. Davis ranks seventh in the conference with his 15.6 points per game average. 

Miami already faced the Golden Flashes once this season. The RedHawks returned from a nine-point deficit in the second half, outscoring Kent State 38-20 to take the victory 70-61. 

Their performance reflected the RedHawks’ success in the early conference slate. Four players scored in the double-figures, with Byers’ 15 points leading the pack. The RedHawks haven’t had four players score in the double-figures since their victory against Central Michigan on Feb. 4. 

With Miami looking to bounce back from its worst stretch of games all season, tonight provides a great opportunity for the RedHawks to return to their roots. 

The game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. 

@thekethan04

babukc2@miamioh.edu

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