OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University men’s basketball team soared past Defiance College 141-58 Monday night at Millett Hall, as the RedHawks set a new program record for most points scored in a game. Dan Luers led all players with 20 points, while five other RedHawks (8-4) scored in double figures. Donovan Stone scored 11 points to lead the Yellow Jackets (3-9, 1-6 WHAC).
How it Happened:
- Mekhi Cooper got the RedHawks going at the start of the game, as he scored seven early points to put Miami ahead 14-6. Peter Suder froze a defender and then drove down the lane for a layup plus the foul to head into the first media timeout leading 19-6. Evan Ipsaro and Brant Byers knocked down shots behind the arc to push Miami’s advantage to 26-8.
- With just under 10 minutes to go in the first half, Suder recorded his second traditional three-point play of the game at 38-10. After Defiance answered with a three, Miami proceeded to go on its largest run of the game, outscoring the Yellow Jackets 18-0 to pull ahead 56-13. Elmer and Craft ended the half with a pair of triples to enter halftime with a 74-25 lead.
- The Red and White opened the second half on a 14-0 run to propel forward 88-25. Several free throws and a Luers three put Miami at the 100-point mark. Skaljac continued the RedHawks’ hot shooting by adding three triples over two minutes to make it 111-39.
- Byers and Craft scored back-to-back triples to put the score at 119-44 with just under nine minutes of action left. Luers got to the free-throw line after making a layup and added a tip shot to keep the offense going. Jackson Kotecki, Eli Yofan and Jack Sauer scored the final 15 points to finish off the Yellow Jackets 141-58.
Game Notes:
- For the second time this season, the RedHawks knocked down a MAC-record 22 triples (tied for the second-most by any Division I program this season).
- The Red and White scored a program record for most points in a half (74).
- Miami had six double-figure scorers in a game for the first time this season.
- Skaljac set new career highs with 16 points and three steals.
- Potter brought down the most rebounds of his career with eight total.
- The RedHawks tied for the fourth-most assists in a game in program history (29).
- Miami set a new team single-game high in both field goals made (53) and field goal percentage (71.6%).
- The Red and White shot over 50% from three for the second time this season.
- The RedHawks scored 83 bench points.
Up Next:
The RedHawks begin conference play by hosting Buffalo Saturday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m.
