Miami RedHawks (6-6; 0-0 MAC) vs Wilberforce Bulldogs (4-8)
Game 13: Monday, December 30 • 2 p.m. (EST)
Millett Hall (6,400) • Oxford, Ohio
Series vs. Wilberforce/Streak: Miami leads 1-0/Miami-1
Last Meeting: Miami 88 Wilberforce 57, Dec. 1, 2018
TV: ESPN+ • Steve Baker (PxP) Randy Hollowell (Color)
Radio: Miami Sports Network from Van Wagner • Terry Bridge (PxP) John McKenna (Color)
Miami Sports Network from Van Wagner Affiliates: WMOH 1450 Hamilton; WFMG 101.3 Richmond; WDBZ 1230 AM/101.5 FM Cincinnati
 
OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University men's basketball team returns from a nine-day holiday break with one final non-conference tuneup before beginning Mid-American Conference play next weekend. The RedHawks welcome Wilberforce to Millett Hall on Monday. The game will have a special start time of 2 p.m. and will air live on ESPN+. An audio broadcast will be available on the Miami Sports Network from Van Wagner.

CUTTING BACK ON THE TURNOVERS: The RedHawks had only eight turnovers in their last game, a 71-55 victory over Bradley back on Dec. 21. Miami has taken care of the ball recently. In three of their last four games, the RedHawks have recorded single digit turnovers (Evansville-7; Louisville-9; Bradley-8) while in the other they had exactly 10 (Mississippi Valley State-10). For the season, Miami is averaging 11.8 turnovers a game, more than one turnover better than last year's 12.9 turnover a game average. In 2018-19, the 'Hawks had only three single-digit turnover efforts in 32 games. This season they already have four in only 12 games.

DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR SIBANDE: Junior guard Nike Sibande tied a career-high with 11 rebounds in the win over Bradley. He also had his second double-double of the season by scoring 18 points. Sibande is averaging a career-high 5.7 rebounds a game during his junior campaign.

ABOUT WILBERFORCE: Wilberforce is a university of important historical significance as it was the first private HBCU in the country. It opened in 1856 and was the first school to be owned and operated by African-Americans. The Bulldogs compete in NAIA Division II and are an independent. They are 4-8 on the season. Because of their independent status, they have not played a game since Nov. 23 when they defeated Oakland City, 98-90. Wilberforce's has six averaging in double figures, led by junior Darnei Hariston at 14.3 points per game.

THE SERIES WITH WILBERFORCE: Miami won the only meeting with Wilberforce, 88-57, last season on Dec. 1, 2018. The RedHawks overcame a slow start to pull away late in the first half. Jalen Adaway led Miami with 18 points, while Nike Sibande added 16. Aleks Abrams had seven points, 14 rebounds in two blocks in only 18 minutes of action.

UP AHEAD: Miami begins Mid-American Conference play as it enters the New Year. The RedHawks open MAC season on the road as they travel to Central Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 4. Tip time is at 2 p.m. and the game will air live on ESPN+. An audio broadcast will be available on the Miami Sports Network from Van Wagner.