Miami (OH) extended its unbeaten streak to 21 games with a thrilling 105-102 victory over Buffalo at Millett Hall. The RedHawks, led by Peter Suder's outstanding 37-point performance, demonstrated their resilience in a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams combine for 207 points.
The first half was a shoot-out, with Buffalo taking a 48-46 lead into the break. The Bulls' Angelo Brizzi was unstoppable, scoring 24 points to keep his team ahead. However, Miami (OH) adjusted its defense in the second half, holding Buffalo to 40 points while scoring 42 themselves to take the lead. Luke Skaljac and Eian Elmer provided crucial support to Suder, with Skaljac notching 18 points and 10 assists, and Elmer adding 17 points.
The game was marked by intense moments, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. Buffalo's Daniel Freitag and Ryan Sabol joined Brizzi in double figures, with Freitag posting an impressive 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Sabol scoring 20 points with 5 assists. Despite their best efforts, the Bulls couldn't contain Suder, who consistently found ways to score and draw fouls.
The win keeps Miami (OH) perfect on the season, with a 21-0 record. While this victory was expected, given the RedHawks' significant advantage in net ranking, it was still a crucial test of their endurance and ability to perform under pressure. Buffalo, on the other hand, slips to 14-7 but can take pride in pushing one of the nation's top teams to the limit.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Miami (OH), the win, although expected, is still a valuable addition to their portfolio, classified as a Quadrant 4 victory. However, it does little to bolster their already strong case for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. For Buffalo, the loss is a Quadrant 1 defeat, which, despite being against an undefeated team, still demonstrates the Bulls' ability to compete with top-tier opponents. This performance will likely be viewed favorably by the selection committee, potentially strengthening Buffalo's position on the bubble.
The outcome of this game reinforces Miami (OH)'s position as a formidable team, capable of outscoring and outlasting tough opponents. As the season progresses, the RedHawks will face increased scrutiny and tougher challenges, but for now, they can bask in the glory of their unblemished record. Meanwhile, Buffalo want to build on this performance, using it as a springboard to make a push for a tournament berth.