Key Points
- Kam Craft leads with 19 points, hitting five 3-pointers
- Dan Luers adds 18 points, fuels 41-23 halftime advantage
- RedHawks clinch No. 2 seed, set for MAC Tournament quarterfinals
- Ball State finishes 10th despite 18 points from Jermahri Hill
The Miami (OH) RedHawks concluded their Mid-American Conference regular season with a decisive 79-66 victory over Ball State on Friday. The win solidifies their position as the No. 2 seed in the upcoming conference tournament, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive discipline. With momentum on their side, Miami looks poised for a deep postseason run.
Kam Craft delivered a standout performance, netting 19 points through efficient 7-of-12 shooting from the field. His five three-pointers in nine attempts underscored Miami's perimeter dominance, a critical factor in their offensive strategy. Teammate Dan Luers complemented Craft with 18 points, including 14 in the first half, while Evan Ipsaro contributed 10 points off the bench.
Ball State struggled to contain Miami's offensive onslaught, despite Jermahri Hill's team-high 18 points and three steals. Joey Hart and TJ Burch combined for 26 points, but the Cardinals' defense faltered early, allowing Miami to establish a commanding 41-23 lead by halftime. This marked Ball State's seventh conference loss in their last eleven games.
The RedHawks seized control from the opening minutes, never trailing after the 19:48 mark in the first half. Their 52% field goal accuracy and 43% three-point efficiency contrasted sharply with Ball State's 41% shooting. Miami's defensive pressure forced 12 turnovers, converting them into 18 points.
As the No. 2 seed, Miami will face the No. 7 seed in Thursday'MAC Tournament quarterfinals at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. Akron secured the top seed after claiming the regular-season title, setting up a competitive bracket. Meanwhile, Ball State's 10th-place finish ends their season, as only the top eight teams qualify for the tournament.
Strategic Insights: Miami's three-point proficiency (12 makes on 28 attempts) highlights their adaptation to modern basketball trends. The team ranks third in the MAC in three-point percentage, a key driver of their 14 conference wins. Defensively, their ability to limit Ball State to 32% three-point shooting demonstrates disciplined perimeter coverage.
Regional Impact: The RedHawks' success has galvanized local support, with ticket sales for the MAC Tournament rising 18% in Southwest Ohio. Comparatively, neighboring teams like Cincinnati have focused on power conferences, making Miami's MAC prominence a point of regional pride. This win reinforces their reputation as a breeding ground for clutch performers under pressure.