Miami Downs Northern Illinois, 84-69

Tuesday, January 14

DeKalb, Ill.

7 p.m.

Miami University

12-4,4-0MAC

Northern Illinois

4-12,0-4MAC

Miami (OH)

NIU

Photo by: Megan Walker

1/14/2025 9:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

DEKALB, Ill. – The Miami University men's basketball team outlasted Northern Illinois 84-69 Tuesday evening to secure its sixth consecutive win. Brant Byers led the RedHawks with 17 points, while four other RedHawks scored in double figures. Miami rises to 12-4 (4-0 MAC) on the season, and the Huskies fall to 4-12 (0-4 MAC).

How it Happened:

Miami opened the game trailing 7-2 before Antwone Woolfolk scored on three different trips down the floor to come within striking distance at 11-10. Byers entered the game with 14:15 to play and immediately scored a pair of triples to push the RedHawks ahead 16-11. Byers did not stop there, as he went on to knock down two more threes to help Miami hold on to a 26-20 lead.
Evan Ipsaro held off the Huskies with a shot from behind the arc and added a couple of free throws to make it 31-27. After Northern Illinois reclaimed the advantage at 34-31, Reece Potter found Eian Elmer from deep to even the score at 34 apiece. With the first half coming to an end, Mekhi Cooper sunk a three and then stole the ball for a transition layup to force a Northern Illinois timeout at 41-34. A tough layup from Jackson Kotecki, numerous free throws and an Elmer layup gave the RedHawks a 48-42 halftime lead.
The Huskies opened the second half by coming within one at 56-55. A Cooper three and Suder jump shot kept Miami ahead 62-55. Layups from Woolfolk and Elmer, along with Byers fifth three of the game, gave Miami its first double-digit lead at 69-57.
With the score at 71-57, Suder scored the next six points, and Kam Craft added a three to separate from the Huskies 80-67. Ipsaro and Suder closed the game with shots from the free-throw line to secure an 84-69 win.

Game Notes:

Miami shot 84.6% from the free-throw line (22-26).
The RedHawks outrebounded Northern Illinois 39 to 26.
Miami shot over 45% from beyond the arc for the sixth time this season.
The Red and White shot better than 50% from the field for the ninth time this season.
Miami forced 15 or more turnovers for the ninth time this season.

Up Next:
The RedHawks continue conference play on the road by traveling to Kent State Saturday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m.