OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University men's basketball team took down Ball State 79-66 Friday evening at Millett Hall on senior night.
Kam Craft led the RedHawks with 19 points, while
Dan Luers (18) and
Evan Ipsaro (10) also scored in double figures. Jermahri Hill (18) led the Ball State Cardinals in scoring. Miami finishes the regular season 23-8 (14-4 MAC), while the Cardinals drop to 14-17 (7-11).
How it Happened:
- The RedHawks opened the contest with an 11-0 lead, fueled by senior Luers, who scored the first seven points. The Cardinals knocked down a triple to get on the scoreboard with 13:11 remaining in the first half. Luke Skaljac put in a short jumper to give the RedHawks their first double-digit lead, and Eian Elmer added a three to push Miami's lead to 18-5.
- A collection of threes from Brant Byers, Craft, Luers and Reece Potter gave Miami its first 20-point lead of the evening at 35-14 with halftime right around the corner. A pair of mid-range jumpers from Craft and Skaljac sent the RedHawks into the intermission with a 41-23 advantage.
- Craft came out of halftime scoring two shots from behind the three-point line for Miami. A tip-in from Potter, combined with a couple of threes from Cooper and Craft, stretched the score to 55-27. Elmer added to the three-point barrage, and the RedHawks made multiple layups to hold on to a strong lead at 64-41 with 11:37 remaining.
- Luers continued his strong showing, knocking down a three and getting to the free-throw line after being fouled from beyond the arc, putting the score at 68-41. Craft and Ipsaro combined for the next nine points to make it 77-51 with 5:59 to go. The lead proved too large for the Cardinals, as Miami secured a 79-66 win.
Game Notes:
- Ipsaro led the RedHawks with three steals (tied career-high).
- The RedHawks broke the program record for most team points scored in a single season.
- Miami tied the program record for the most regular-season wins in program history (23).
- The Red and White moved into third all-time in team assists over the course of a season.
- Miami now sits at fourth all-time in team steals in a season (260).
Up Next:
The RedHawks head to the MAC Tournament, where they will face off with Eastern Michigan on Thursday, March 13, in game three of the day.