- Peter Suder dominates with 23 points and 11 rebounds
- Kam Craft sinks five 3-pointers in critical second-half surge
- Miami OH overcomes halftime deficit to secure championship berth
- Jalen Sullinger’s 29-point effort not enough for Kent State
In a high-stakes Mid-American Conference semifinal showdown, second-seeded Miami Ohio staged a dramatic comeback to defeat third-seeded Kent State 72-64 at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The victory sends the RedHawks to their first MAC championship game since 2019, where they’ll face regular-season champion Akron.
Sophomore guard Peter Suder delivered a career-defining performance, leading all scorers with 23 points while grabbing 11 rebounds. His first-half dominance kept Miami within striking distance as the RedHawks entered halftime trailing 33-32. The turning point came via freshman sharpshooter Kam Craft, who erupted for 17 second-half points including five crucial three-pointers.
Kent State’s Jalen Sullinger nearly willed his team to victory with a game-high 29 points, but the Golden Flashes’ offense faltered down the stretch. Miami’s defensive adjustments limited Kent State to 38% shooting in the final 10 minutes, while Craft’s perimeter barrage created an insurmountable lead.
Strategic Depth: Miami’s bench outscored Kent State’s reserves 18-7, with key contributions from sophomore forward Eian Elmer. The RedHawks’ switch to a 2-3 zone in the second half disrupted Kent State’s rhythm, resulting in 14 forced turnovers.
Regional Impact: The MAC Tournament continues to boost Northeast Ohio’s economy, with Cleveland hotels reporting 92% occupancy during the event. Local bars near the arena saw a 45% revenue increase compared to regular-season games.
As Miami prepares for Akron, all eyes will be on their perimeter defense. The Zips lead the MAC in three-point percentage (39.1%), setting up a clash of contrasting styles. Saturday’s championship winner will secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, potentially marking Miami’s first March Madness appearance since 2007.