Miami Loses 3 Straight, Falls to 0-2 in MAC vs. Sun-Belt Challenge

By: Jack Mueller 

The Miami RedHawks lost their third consecutive game on Saturday, falling 73-53 to Georgia State in Atlanta. Miami is now 0-2 in the MAC vs Sun Belt Challenge, following this loss and their defeat to Texas State early in the season. 

Miami’s shooting failed to get going, putting up a shooting percentage just over 30% in the game. The RedHawks have relied on their three point shooting all season, and Saturday was an example of what happens when they go cold. Miami took 31 threes, making just six. 

Darweshi Hunter bounced back from two quiet performances to lead the RedHawks in scoring. His 19 points were his most since January 30th against Kent State after putting up just nine total points in the two games in between. 

The freshmen that have been so successful for the RedHawks struggled to make an impact on the game. Reece Potter and Eian Elmer supplemented Hunter’s scoring, adding eight points each on 50% combined shooting. However outside of them, the other three freshmen that got minutes combined for just four points (Evan Ipsaro registered all four) on a combined 1-15 from the floor. 

Georgia State relied on scoring by committee, with four starters registering double digit point tallies. The Panthers’ starters combined for 63 points, with sophomore guard Toneari Lane leading the way with 17. Lane mainly relied on his shooting from behind the arc, making five triples. Senior forward Leslie Nkereuwem was also impressive, adding 14 points on 75% shooting. 

Just eight minutes into the game, Georgia State had opened an eight point lead that the RedHawks would never overcome. A mid range effort by Eian Elmer would cut the lead to seven before the half, but the Panthers went into the break with the advantage. Darweshi Hunter brought Miami back into the game briefly early in the second half, hitting a three to cut the deficit to four. However, two triples from Toneari Lane would re-establish a large Panther lead, and Georgia State was able to run away with the victory in the second half. 

Miami will have a full week to recover and make adjustments before trying to break their three game losing streak. Ball State will make the trip down to Oxford looking to avoid their own losing streak after dropping consecutive games against Texas State and Ohio University.