Key Highlights
- No. 23 Miami wins 90-74 at Marshall in the MAC-SBC Challenge.
- Eian Elmer leads RedHawks with 18 points and nine rebounds.
- Northern Illinois ties Georgia State 75-75, ending in an overtime-like finish.
No. 23 Miami’s Perfect Season Continues: 90-74 Win at Marshall
On Saturday, No. 23 Miami University (24-0, 11-0 MAC) demonstrated why it’s the frontrunner in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), with a commanding 90-74 victory over Marshall (15-9, 7-4 Sun Belt Conference) at Huntington’s Bob Martin Pavilion. The RedHawks’ victory was their 24th straight win in the MAC-SBC Challenge series.
The game began with Miami asserting control early as Eian Elmer and Peter Suder each contributed key points. Elmer, who finished with a team-high 18 points and nine rebounds, made quick work of the Thundering Herd’s defense with his scoring prowess.
A pair of layups from Justin Kirby and Trey Perry helped Miami maintain their lead, leading to a 22-15 ball game.
Marshall tried to close the gap but Miami’s momentum was too strong. The RedHawks’ lead increased as Woolfolk and Skaljac continued to dominate in the paint. By halftime, Miami held a commanding 49-31 advantage over Marshall. Miami’s defense remained solid, limiting Marshall to just 37.5% shooting from the field.
Marshall’s Resilience in Face of Tough Adversity
Despite the early deficit, Marshall showed remarkable resilience in the second half, cutting their deficit to 10 points at 59-49 with just over nine minutes left on the clock. Noah Otshudi led the Herd’s charge with 23 points and played a crucial role in keeping Miami’s lead tight.
However, Miami’s experience shone through as they regrouped and extended their lead to 80-64. The RedHawks’ bench contributed significantly, providing much-needed support off the bench. Free throws from Atlason, Elmer, and Suder ensured that Miami’s lead was never in doubt.
Northern Illinois and Georgia State: A Close and Controversial Finish
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Northern Illinois (8-14) and Georgia State (9-16) played out a thrilling 75-75 tie. Makhai Valentine’s 23 points, including five three-pointers, spearheaded the Huskies’ strong performance. However, the game ended with an air of controversy as both teams exchanged free throws in the final moments.
The Huskies’ Dylan Ducommun and Taj Walters were key contributors early on, while Georgia State’s Micah Tucker and Jelani Hamilton each finished with 16 points. The game was full of twists and turns, showcasing the competitiveness of the MAC-SBC Challenge.
Implications for Miami’s Perfect Season
No. 23 Miami returns home to face Ohio in a significant matchup on February 13 at 9 p.m. This victory not only cements their status as a dominant force in college basketball but also highlights the depth and talent within Glenn Box’s squad.
The RedHawks’ perfect season is a testament to their consistent performance and strategic coaching, making them a formidable opponent for any team in the conference. As they continue to challenge themselves against tougher competition, Miami remains on track to write more history this season.
