Miami Wins Fourth Straight, Defeat Troy 69-62
By: Jack Mueller
(Photo Courtesy of Megan Walker / Miami Athletics)
The Miami RedHawks won their fourth straight game on Saturday, defeating Troy 69-62 on their home floor. While it may not count towards the conference standings, Miami coach Travis Steele knows this game served as valuable experience as the team gears up for their final eight games before the MAC tournament.
“In March, to win three games in three days in Cleveland, are you going to shoot well all three days? Probably not. So you got to be able to win an ugly game like this to win the MAC tournament.” said Steele.
Ugly it was. The two teams combined for a shooting percentage of just 41%, making only 16 threes (30%). Troy was whistled for fouls on 21 occasions, with the RedHawks following close behind with 16 of their own. While the Trojans won the turnover battle 18-16, Miami was able to turn more of their extra possessions into points, scoring 22 to Troy’s 13.
Steele challenged his players to play a “full 40 minutes” in the media over the past week. While his team secured the win, he said he wants to see more.
“It’s an improvement, but it’s not where I want it to be.” said Steele
“If we’re here to win 18 games, we have the wrong guys,” he added.
While it may not be the end goal, the RedHawks continue to make history. This win marks their most in one season since 2006-07. That year, the RedHawks went to the NCAA tournament as a #14 seed.
Miami’s bench was the difference between the two teams on Saturday. Evan Ipsaro, Brant Byers and Luke Skaljac combined for 35 points on just under 50% shooting. With the RedHawks missing Reece Potter and losing Antwone Woolfolk mid-game to injury, the depth of Steele’s team was on full display.
“We have nine guys who can start, that’s the strength of this team.” said Steele.
How it Happened
Back-to-back three pointers from Suder and Craft got Miami’s offense started, but Marcus Rigsby Jr. responded with a three of his own to score Troy’s first basket of the game. Brant Byers and Thomas Dowd traded layups, before Woolfolk found space to make it 10-5 at the 13-minute mark. A triple from Dowd was followed by an Ipsaro bucket to give Miami a four-point lead at the second media timeout.
Troy’s third three of the day, courtesy of Cooper Campbell, was followed by a Conerway layup which gave their first lead since the first minute of the game. That lead was extended by Conerway, who converted an and-one to make it a five-point game. Ipsaro responded with a three, and Suder tied the game with a tip-in at the eight-minute mark.
Ipsaro took the lead from the free-throw line seconds later, but it didn’t last long. Two layups from Jackson Fields opened up a six-point lead, Troys’ largest of the game. Brant Byers took over from there, scoring eight straight points to tie the game at 29. Suder’s third bucket of the day beat the buzzer and sent the RedHawks to the break up three.
Two mid-rangers from Craft and a three by Elmer gave Miami their largest lead of the game shortly after the break at 39-32. Luke Skaljac took over from there, scoring eight straight points, including an and-one to give Miami an eleven point lead.
Not to be outdone, the Trojans responded with their own 6-0 run to cut the lead to 49-44. Valdes’ first three of the game cut the lead to three, but Eian Elmer finished through a foul and hit a three to make it 57-48. Troy responded with back-to-back baskets, but Suder’s and-one quickly retained momentum for Miami.
Troy responded yet again, cutting the lead to six. It looked like they were going to get even closer after a whistle blew after Rigsby converted a layup, but he was called for a charge on Ipsaro. The sophomore guard then connected on a deep contested three to make it a ten-point game with under three minutes to play. Elmer hit a three of his own seconds later, essentially sealing the win for Miami.
Troy put together some late momentum, but they just ran out of time. The Trojans were then called for a technical foul contesting an alleged travel in the backcourt, allowing the RedHawks to extend their lead to eight with less than 60 seconds to play.
Up Next
The RedHawks will stay home this week. Toledo makes the trip south on Tuesday to take on Miami in a game with massive MAC tournament implications. The two sides are separated by just one game (Miami: 9-1, Toledo: 8-2), and the winner will end the night in second place in the conference.
The game will take place at 7 p.m. at Millett Hall and will be streamed on ESPN+.