Miami Opens Up MACTION with a W
Miami Opens Up MACTION with a W
Brant Byers taking a 3 -- Ellie Reynolds
By Ted Brennan
MILLETT HALL, OXFORD OH – The RedHawks started off the best time of the year (MACTION) with a win vs the Buffalo Bulls, 93-79.
Buffalo opened up their season 5-7, predicted to finish last in the MAC, while Miami who started 8-4, is predicted to finish 6th in the coaches poll of the MAC.
The first half was incredibly close as neither team could really grab an edge over each other. Peter Suder led the way for Miami in the first half finishing with 11 points as Miami had their largest lead of the game heading into half.
The second half is where the RedHawks really pulled away. Kam Craft took off in the second half finishing with 20 points. He was one of 6 other RedHawks to finish in double digits. Brant Byers had 18 points off the bench (6 of 6 from 3 point land by the way), Peter Suder had 17 (and 10 rebounds), Antwone Woolfolk with 12, Eian Elmer and Mekhi Cooper each had 11.
Miami shoots a ton of three pointers and this game was no different. Miami shot 8-19 in the first half (42.1%) and in the second half Miami hit 9-15 (60%) from deep. They shot a clean 50% from 3 for the entire game. This is one of the keys for the rest of the season at Miami as the three ball will keep them afloat or keep them out of games.
Ted’s three takeaways from this game that are worth mentioning moving continuing into MAC play.
First, Miami’s depth is crucial. Brant Byers contributed 18 off the bench, all of which came from 3 point land (a nice clean 100% on 6 shots). Byers is a quick trigger shooter who can put up points in bunches. However, Byers was the only RedHawk off the bench to score more than 4 points. Reece Potter had 4 points while Evan Ipsaro and Luke Skaljac had off nights with 0 apiece. When the starters start slow like they did today, the bench needs to come in and provide a spark of scoring. Today that didn’t happen outside of Byers. They need more consistency off the bench if the starters can’t get it going.
Second, pace of play can be the downfall of the RedHawks. In the first half, Buffalo completely controlled the speed at which the game was played, with plenty of fast breaks and quick shots which led to the slim halftime lead. In the second half, Miami took over the game and played the way they wanted to play. Slowed down pace, half court offensive possessions, and good shots late in the shot clock. Miami loses games when they don’t play the way they know how to play.
Finally, Kam Craft is CLUTCH. Simply put. He’s got ice in his veins. There were 2 shots late in the game when Buffalo was pulling back within reach that Craft hit to put nails in the coffins of the Bulls. Shot clock was winding down, Craft loads up 2 threes from the same spot. Straight cash. Swishes. Nylon. Bottoms. Whatever word choice you want to use, that’s what Kam Craft’s shots were like. He’s the go to guy down the stretch.
Miami’s next game is Tuesday, January 7 at Worthen Arena vs Ball State for the second game of MAC play for the RedHawks.