The Miami University (Ohio) RedHawks dominated the Bowling Green State Falcons 91-77, extending their unbeaten streak to 27 games, with Luke Skaljac leading the charge with 24 points, including 4 three-pointers. The first half was a masterclass in efficiency, with Miami (OH) shooting 53% from the field and 50% from three, taking a 45-30 lead into the break. Bowling Green, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 36% from the field and 25% from three in the first 20 minutes. The Falcons' Javontae Campbell tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 12 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the RedHawks' balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures before the break.
As the second half got underway, Miami (OH) continued to push the pace, scoring 46 points and shooting 52% from the field. Eian Elmer was instrumental in the RedHawks' second-half surge, scoring 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, including 3 offensive boards. Bowling Green, meanwhile, shot 46% from the field and 40% from three in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit, as they were outscored by 1 point in the final 20 minutes. The Falcons' Mayar Wol tried to spark a comeback, scoring 10 points in the second half, but it was too little, too late, as Miami (OH) cruised to a 14-point victory. The RedHawks' 91 points marked their 10th game this season with 85 or more points, and their 27-0 record is a reflection of their consistent excellence, with an average margin of victory of 13.4 points over their last 5 games.
The RedHawks' star performers were on full display, with Skaljac and Elmer combining for 45 points and 8 rebounds. Skaljac's 24 points were a game-high, and his 4 three-pointers were a key factor in the RedHawks' victory. Elmer, meanwhile, was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, grabbing 8 rebounds and scoring 21 points, including 7 in the second half. For Bowling Green, Campbell's 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists were a valiant effort, but it wasn't enough to overcome the RedHawks' balanced attack. The Falcons' Josiah Shackelford, who scored 12 points, was a bright spot, but he disappeared in the second half, scoring just 2 points. Miami (OH)'s Antwone Woolfolk, who scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, was a key contributor off the bench, providing a spark on both ends of the floor.
The CHD Scout prediction of a 15.6-point Miami (OH) victory was spot on, as the RedHawks dominated the Falcons from start to finish. The prediction was correct because Miami (OH) was able to exploit Bowling Green's weaknesses on defense, particularly in the paint, where they scored 36 points. The RedHawks' ability to shoot 50% from three in the first half also caught the Falcons off guard, and they were unable to recover.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The scout report card shows that the prediction was accurate, but what it doesn't show is the way Miami (OH) was able to control the tempo of the game, pushing the pace and forcing Bowling Green to keep up. The RedHawks' 84.8 points per game average over their last 5 games is a reflection of their ability to score in bunches, and their 71.4 points per game allowed is a reflection of their stingy defense. Bowling Green, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, averaging just 70 points per game over their last 5 games, and allowing 68.6 points per game.
The win for Miami (OH) is a significant one, as it marks their 27th consecutive victory and solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the country. The RedHawks' 48 NET ranking is a reflection of their impressive resume, which includes wins over Ohio, Marshall, and Buffalo. Bowling Green, on the other hand, falls to 16-12, and their 148 NET ranking is a reflection of their inconsistent play. The Falcons' 3-2 record over their last 5 games is a reflection of their ability to compete, but they must find a way to beat teams like Miami (OH) if they want to make a deep run in the tournament. With 14 points, the margin of victory was just 1.6 points off the predicted margin, a reflection of the accuracy of the CHD Scout prediction.
The win for Miami (OH) has real consequences for their tournament resume, as it marks their 10th quad 1 or 2 win of the season. The RedHawks' quad 1 record is now 5-0, and their quad 2 record is 10-0, making them a lock for a high seed in the tournament. Bowling Green, on the other hand, falls to 2-6 in quad 1 games, and their chances of making the tournament are slim. The Falcons must win out and get some help from other teams if they want to make a push for the bubble. With their 27-0 record, Miami (OH) is in a strong position to make a deep run in the tournament, and their 48 NET ranking is a reflection of their impressive resume. The RedHawks' ability to dominate teams like Bowling Green is a reflection of their strength and depth, and they will be a tough out in the tournament.