Miami (OH) continued its unbeaten streak, dismantling Northern Illinois 85-61 at Millett Hall. The RedHawks' high-powered offense was on full display, with Brant Byers leading the charge with 21 points. Byers' impressive performance set the tone for the game, as Miami (OH) never trailed and built a substantial lead by halftime.
The first half saw Miami (OH) come out strong, with Byers and Peter Suder combining for 25 points to give the RedHawks a 40-38 lead at the break. However, it was the second half where Miami (OH) truly asserted its dominance, outscoring Northern Illinois 45-23. Antwone Woolfolk was a key contributor in the half, notching 10 of his 14 points and hauling in 8 of his 12 rebounds.
Northern Illinois' Gianni Cobb and Taj Walters did their best to keep the Huskies in the game, each scoring 17 points. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the balanced attack of Miami (OH). The RedHawks' ability to distribute the ball and find open shooters was too much for the Huskies' defense.
The final margin of 24 points was a reflection of Miami (OH)'s superiority, exceeding the predicted margin of 16.5 points by CHD Scout. The prediction was accurate in terms of the winner, with Miami (OH) emerging victorious as expected. The RedHawks' performance was a strong indication of their strength, as they improved to 22-0 on the season.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win has real consequences for Miami (OH)'s tournament resume, as it adds another Quad 4 victory to their record. While the RedHawks' strength of schedule has been a topic of discussion, their ability to take care of business against inferior opponents has been impressive. With a current net ranking of 51, Miami (OH) is well-positioned to make a strong case for a tournament bid.
On the other hand, the loss drops Northern Illinois to 7-14 on the season, with a net ranking of 304. While the Huskies' performance was not entirely disappointing, it highlights the significant gap between them and the top teams in the country. Despite being a Quad 1 opportunity for Northern Illinois, the loss will not significantly impact their tournament chances, which were already slim.
As the season progresses, Miami (OH) want to continue its winning ways and build a strong case for a tournament bid. With its dominant performance against Northern Illinois, the RedHawks have taken another step in the right direction, solidifying their position as a potential tournament contender. The win will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to Miami (OH)'s resume, as the team looks to make a deep run in the postseason.