OXFORD, Ohio— The RedHawks never trailed, gaining their second victory of the season and defeating visiting Arkansas at Little Rock 80-67 Saturday afternoon.
Mekhi Lairy recorded 25 points and six assists.
Billy Smith contributed 18 points as well.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Miami led 5-0 early after a layup from Anderson Mirambeaux and three-pointer from Smith at the 18:29 mark. The RedHawks extended their lead to 19-8 with 14:56 to play. Smith started the game 5-5 from downtown to propel the Miami offense. The hot shooting didn't stop there, Lairy and Ryan Mabrey recording three-point field goals to stretch the lead to 16 points at 28-12.
- The Trojans went on an 8-2 run with 5:05 left in the first half to close within 10 points and bring the score to 30-20. Miami finished out the half with a 43-27 advantage.
- The Red and White continued to find their rhythm coming out of the intermission. Lairy, Morgan Safford, and Smith knocked down a trio of threes to maintain their lead at 49-33. Little Rock responded by going on a 13-3 run to trail by only six points at 52-46 with 13:46 left to play. Miami stayed resilient, outscoring the Trojans 10-0 to pull ahead 62-46. Mirambeaux went on to score the next five points for the RedHawks.
- With less than six minutes left, Lairy helped seal the game by making a layup and going 4-4 from the free-throw line. The Red and White finished the game with an 80-67 win.
NOTES
- Smith recorded a career-high of 18 points.
- Lairy had the game-high 25 points and also led all players with six assists.
- Mirambeaux produced the game-high three blocks.
UP NEXT:
Miami hosts Jackson State University at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29.
