Miami RedHawks (8-5) vs Central Michigan Chippewas (11-2)
Game 14: Saturday, January 5 • 2 p.m.
Millett Hall (6,400) • Oxford, Ohio
Series vs. CMU/Streak: Miami leads 53-20/Miami-2
Last Meeting: Miami 70 CMU 61, January 23, 2018
TV: ESPN+ • Steve Baker (PxP) Randy Hollowell (Color) Emily Simanskis (Sideline)
Radio: Miami IMG Sports Network • Terry Bridge (PxP) John McKenna (Color)
Miami IMG Sports Network Affiliates: WMOH 1450 Hamilton; WFMG 101.3 Richmond; WONE 980 Dayton
 
OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University men's basketball team opens Mid-American Conference play at home on Saturday as it welcomes Central Michigan to Millett Hall. Tip time is at 2 p.m. and it will air live on ESPN3. An audio broadcast will be available on the RedHawk IMG Sports Network Tunein App.

MAC OPENERS: This is the 73rd season the MAC has sponsored basketball (Miami joined the league in the seconad season). Miami is the winningest team all-time in the MAC with 634 victories. Its win percentage of .602 (634-420) also easily ranks as the conference's top mark. The RedHawks are 50-21 all-time in MAC openers. Last season they defeated Bowling Green on the road, 77-72, their second straight league opening victory. This is the fifth time in history that Miami has opened league play against Central Michigan with the Red and White holding a 3-1 record in the previous eight. The last time was in 2014 when the RedHawks took a 77-70 victory.

RINGO AMONG NATION'S STEALS LEADERS: Senior guard Darrian Ringo has been among the nation's leaders in steals this season. His 36 total steals ranks ninth and is only 10 behind the national leader Brian Beard Jr. of Florida International. His 2.77 steals per game average ranks seventh in the country.

ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN: The Chippewas were an impressive 11-2 in non-conference play. They have won their past five games, finishing with an 123-76 victory over Indiana South Bend on Dec. 30. Central Michigan has a dynamic offense that averages 88.0 points per contest. Four different Chippewas average in double figures scoring, led by senior guard Larry Austin Jr. The graduate transfer from Vanderbilt is averaging 19.2 points per game. Another key player is junior guard Kevin McKay. He averages 14.0 points and a team-leading 7.5 rebounds per contest.

THE SERIES WITH CENTRAL MICHIGAN: The RedHawks hold a 53-20 lead in the all-time series with the Chippewas. Miami has won the last two meetings against Central Michigan, including a 70-61 victory last season on Jan. 23, 2018 in Mount Pleasant. Nike Sibande drained two three-pointers to open play and the 'Hawks led the game wire to wire. Sibande finished with 22 points for Miami.

UP AHEAD: MAC play continues at home next Tuesday as the RedHawks host Northern Illinois. Tip time is 7 p.m. and it will air live on ESPN+. An audio broadcast will be available on the RedHawk IMG Sports Network Tunein App.