OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University men's basketball team fell behind early, and despite a valiant comeback, dropped a 75-66 decision to Kent State on Tuesday evening. The RedHawks fall to 15-15 overall and 7-10 in Mid-American Conference action. KSU improves to 21-9 overall and 10-7 in the MAC.
Nike Sibande scored 21 points and
Bam Bowman added 18 to lead the Red and White. The duo combined to score 30 points in the second half alone. Sophomore
Jalen Adaway chipped in with nine points and five rebounds and Sibande had a team-high 10 rebounds.
Miami trailed 38-21 to start the second half and with the help of Sibande and Bowman the RedHawks nearly erased the 17-point deficit in the first six minutes of the half. Sibande opened the half with a deep three pointer and Bowman scored eight of Miami's next 10 points as the RedHawks leaned on the low post big man from the Bowling Green, Ky.
Sibande was fouled on a turn-around jumper from the low post to continue the comeback. After converting the three-point play he drilled a step-back triple on the next possession to bring the 2,343 fans in attendance to their feet as Miami trailed by just four at 45-41 with 13:52 to play.
The Golden Flashes extended their lead to eight with a mini 4-0 run, but Sibande answered with a steal and a thunderous dunk as the RedHawks still trailed by four, 49-45.
Miami could get no closer though as the Flashes went on an 11-5 run over the next four minutes to take a 60-50 advantage.
Kent State's Jalen Walker scored 23 points in the first half, connecting on 5-of-6 three pointers. He finished the game with 29 points and 12 rebounds.
Miami wraps up the regular season on Friday, March 8 with a trip to Ohio. Opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
