Oxford, Ohio - The Miami University men's basketball improved to 2-1 on Wednesday evening with a 67-57 win over Western Illinois (0-3). Senior forward
Dalonte Brown had 19 points, 16 rebounds and three blocked shots on day one of the Miami Invitational to pace the RedHawks.
Miami moves to 2-0 at Millett Hall and used a balanced effort in the win against the Leathernecks.
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How it Happened:
- Miami opened the contest on a 14-0 run, holding Western Illinois scoreless for the first 9:38 of the game.
- The RedHawks extended their lead to 26-7 following a redshirt junior forward James Beck jumper, but WIU finished the first half on a 14-2 run as the RedHawks went into the locker room with a 28-21 advantage.Â
- The defensive battle continued after halftime as Miami maintained its seven-point advantage midway through the second half, 43-36.
- Western Illinois drained a baseline triple to cut Miami's lead to 50-49 with 3:39 to play, but the RedHawks answered back with a 5-0 run to extend its lead to 55-49 with just over two minutes to play.
- Miami made key free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Game Notes:
- Senior forward Dalonte Brown had 19 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks, all season highs. It was his first double-double since recording 20 points and 11 rebounds at Bowling Green on Jan. 7, 2020, and tied a career high for blocked shots. It was one rebound off his career best.
- Redshirt junior guard Isaiah Coleman-Lands chipped in 12 points, including going 5-for-5 from the free throw line in the second half.Â
- Junior guard Mekhi Lairy added 12 points, including 2-of-3 from three. He was also a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.
- Redshirt junior forward James Beck recorded nine points and six rebounds.
Up Next:
- Miami returns to action on Friday, December 11, a home contest versus Mount St. Joseph. Opening tip is slated for 5:30 p.m. The game will be aired on ESPN+.
