MAC Men’s Basketball Recap: Miami RedHawks vs. Wright State Raiders

In what proved to be a sensational game late with 11 ties and 13 lead changes, the Miami RedHawks (1-1) nearly pulled off the epic comeback but fell just short against the Wright State Raiders in a 89-87 decision. Jake Wright, Michael Weathers, and Zach McCormick all had double-digit points while Dion Wade had a near double-double with seven points and 10 rebounds. The three-point shot was a valuable shot in Miami’s arsenal in the second half as the team went 8-10 from long range, which certainly helped the team’s cause, as did five second half turnovers.

The teams traded punches early on in the first half, but a 15-2 run by Wright State helped to assert themselves prior to them taking a halftime lead of 53-32. Miami’s offense was absolutely abysmal in the first 20 minutes as it only had five assists on its 14 made field goals as well as five turnovers.

The RedHawks were dominated 21-13 in the rebound department and couldn’t stay out of foul trouble with 13 personal fouls too, as McCormick led the way with seven points. The tandem of Stephen Davis and Justin Mitchell gave the road team fits in the first half as they accounted for 24 points and 10 boards.

A 31-9 run by the ‘Hawks to start the second half helped them take the lead in the later stages, but that lead changed hands multiple times down the stretch as WSU tried to overcome its offensive struggles in the second stanza. A pair of buckets by Mark Alstork set the score at 88-84 for the Raiders in the final minute, but a three-pointer by Wright with 10 seconds left made things interesting.

A missed jumper from Weathers ended the comeback bid as Alstork got the rebound to cap off his sensational night as he had a near triple-double with 29 points, 10 boards, and eight assists. The Red and White operated much better on offense in the second half by shooting 58.6% from the field, 19 rebounds, and eight assists. The defense really did its job holding the Raiders to 10 made field goals in the half.

Miami picks up the roundball again Friday when it takes on Delaware at 7 p.m. in the Tarkett Sports Classic.