MACOMB, Ill.—Junior Dae Dae Grant scored 22 points, but it was not enough as the Miami University men's basketball team (5-1) dropped a 79-67 decision at Western Illinois University (5-2) on Saturday afternoon at Western Hall.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Back-to-back triples from senior Dalonte Brown and Grant helped Miami to a 19-15 lead with 10:04 to play in the opening half. The Leathernecks used an 11-0 run over the next six minutes to take a 26-19 advantage.
• Miami closed within three twice, both off sophomore Jackson Ames free throws, and trailed 28-26 with just over three minutes to go in the half. Western Illinois pushed its lead to 11 with three seconds remaining in the first half, but a senior Mekhi Lairy triple at the end of the half cut the RedHawk deficit to eight going into the intermission, 36-28.
• After a WIU field goal to open the second half, Miami rattled off seven unanswered to close within three by the 17:35 mark, 38-35. A jumper from senior Precious Ayah later trimmed the deficit to two and a trio of free throws from junior Myja White again put the RedHawks within with 14:17 remaining, 46-44.
• WIU pushed its lead to double digits with just under seven minutes to play and extended its lead to 18 with just 2:33 to play. Miami was able to shrink the margin to 12 in the final minutes.

 
NOTES:

• In addition to Grant's 22 points, Brown and Lairy were the other RedHawks to score in double figures with 12 apiece.
• Miami limited its turnovers to five while forcing 15 Leatherneck turnovers.
• It was the first time this season Miami trailed at the half.

 
UP NEXT:
The Rivalry Returns presented by Foster & Motley is Wednesday, Dec. 1 as the RedHawks host Cincinnati at 7 p.m. in Millett Hall! It is Devin Davis Night, and the Firecrackers Jump Rope Team will perform at halftime. There also will be a Carnival on the Concourse for our younger fans. Don't miss the excitement and buy your tickets today!