EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Graduate transfer Darweshi Hunter led all RedHawks with 21 points, but the Miami University men's basketball team (0-1) dropped a 72-64 decision to Evansville (1-0) Monday evening to open the 2023-24 season.
 
How it Happened:

• Evansville started play by claiming a 5-0 lead before Hunter got the RedHawks on the board with a three-point field goal. Hunter knocked down his second three-point shot of the game to give Miami their first lead at 8-7 with 15:34 to play in the first half. From this moment on, no team led by more than three points until the Red and White went on a 7-0 run to gain a 29-23 advantage.
• The Purple Aces responded with a 7-1 run of their own to come within one point at 30-29. Jackson Kotecki made the next two shots for the Red and White to stay ahead 34-31. Evansville ended the half with a free throw to bring the score to 34-32.
• Jaquel Morris opened the second half of play with a second-chance layup. Evansville remained determined, trailing by just one point at 38-37. Hunter and Bradley Dean knocked down back-to-back shots from beyond the arc to stretch Miami's advantage to 44-37 with 17:02 to play. Once again, the Purple Aces weathered the storm and stayed within two at 44-42. With 14:42 on the game clock, Hunter made his sixth three-point shot of the game to keep Miami ahead by seven at 49-42.
• The Purple Aces regained the lead for the first time since before halftime at 53-52. Bryce Bultman recorded the traditional three-point play to stay within one after getting fouled on a jump shot with 8:28 to play. Evansville closed the game by taking one of their largest leads at 65-57. The Red and White fought to shrink the Evansville lead but ultimately dropped 72-64.

Game Notes:

• Miami shot 50% (10-20) from behind the arc.
• Eian Elmer brough down a team-high seven rebounds.
• Hunter matched the game-high 21 points.

 
Up Next:
The 2023-24 home opener for Travis Steele's squad is set for Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. vs. Texas State.