RICHMOND, Ky. (Interstat) — Miami (Ohio) remained undefeated Saturday, using a dominant first half to defeat Eastern Kentucky 79-69 at McBrayer Arena. The Redhawks (10-0) built a 35-25 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and a stifling defense that forced 14 turnovers. Miami shot 54.1% from the floor overall and converted those turnovers into 20 points. Almar Atlason scored 19 points to lead Miami, while Antwone Woolfolk added 15. The Colonels (3-8) shot just 33.9% from the field. Juan Cranford scored a game-high 18 points for Eastern Kentucky, which rallied to match Miami’s 44-point second-half output but never closed the gap to single digits. Miami’s defense held a 34-12 advantage in points in the paint.

RICHMOND, Ky. (Interstat) — The Miami (Ohio) Redhawks used a dominant first half to build a substantial lead and then weathered a second-half surge from Eastern Kentucky to secure a 79-69 victory in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at McBrayer Arena. The Redhawks, one of the nation’s remaining unbeaten teams, improved to 10-0. The Colonels fell to 3-8. The game’s decisive stretch came early, as Miami (Ohio) established control with stifling defense and efficient offense. Eastern Kentucky struggled immensely from the field in the opening period, shooting just 21% and committing nine turnovers. The Redhawks capitalized, converting those miscues into 12 first-half points off turnovers and building a 35-25 lead at the break despite attempting only nine free throws to the Colonels’ 15. Miami (Ohio) forward Antwone Woolfolk set the tone from the outset, winning the opening tip and imposing his will inside. The 6-foot-9 junior from Cleveland scored 11 of his 15 points in the first half, adding two blocks and two steals before halftime. His interior presence, combined with active perimeter defense, created a 20-6 disparity in points off turnovers for the game. The Redhawks extended their lead early in the second half, opening with a 9-2 run to push the advantage to 44-27 following a 3-pointer by Eian Elmer and a driving layup from Woolfolk. The Colonels, however, refused to fade, primarily behind the scoring of guard Juan Cranford. The Dayton, Ohio, native scored 16 of his game-high 18 points after halftime, fueling a methodical comeback attempt. Eastern Kentucky chipped away, using a 12-4 run midway through the half to cut the deficit to single digits. A 3-pointer from Jackson Holt, who finished with 11 points, brought the Colonels within 60-53 with just over six minutes remaining. Each time Eastern Kentucky threatened, Miami (Ohio) found an answer, often from Icelandic forward Almar Atlason. The 6-foot-8 sophomore scored 19 points, including three critical 3-pointers in the final 4:58 to blunt Colonel rallies. The most important sequence of the game occurred with just over a minute to play. After a Yvens Paul dunk brought Eastern Kentucky within five at 67-62, the Redhawks worked the shot clock on the ensuing possession. Evan Ipsaro found Atlason for a deep 3-pointer from the wing with 38 seconds left, pushing the lead back to eight and effectively sealing the outcome. While Cranford’s scoring kept Eastern Kentucky within striking distance, the Colonels could never fully overcome their early offensive woes or Miami’s defensive pressure. Eastern Kentucky shot 33.9% from the field for the game and just 31.3% from 3-point range. The Redhawks, meanwhile, shot 54.1% overall and 40% from beyond the arc. Miami (Ohio) also dominated inside, outscoring Eastern Kentucky 34-12 in the paint and holding a significant edge in fast-break points, 20-11. The Colonels did own the glass, grabbing 18 offensive rebounds to Miami’s six, but could not translate that into enough second-chance points to close the gap. Brant Byers provided consistent scoring for the Redhawks with 15 points, while Peter Suder facilitated the offense with five assists. For Eastern Kentucky, Turner Buttry distributed six assists and Paul anchored the defense with three blocks. The game drew an attendance of 600. Miami (Ohio) next travels to face Wright State on Tuesday. Eastern Kentucky will visit Jacksonville State on Wednesday.

RICHMOND, Ky. (Interstat) — An undefeated Miami (Ohio) squad riding its best start in decades will put its perfect record on the line Saturday against an Eastern Kentucky team seeking a signature win at McBrayer Arena. The Miami Redhawks (9-0) enter the contest as one of only 11 remaining unbeaten teams in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. They are coming off a 90-87 overtime road victory at UNC Asheville on Wednesday, their second single-digit win during this streak. The Colonels (3-7) snapped a five-game losing skid with a 68-59 win at Eastern Illinois that same night. Miami’s offense has been prolific, averaging 91.2 points per game and scoring over 100 points three times. The catalyst is sophomore guard Evan Ipsaro, who is averaging 18.6 points and 4.1 assists. He is fresh off a 27-point performance at Asheville and has scored 20 or more points in four of his last six games. “We’re finding different ways to win, which is a good sign,” Miami coach Travis Steele said. “But we have to be sharper. Our defense will be tested.” Eastern Kentucky will counter with guard Turner Buttry, who is averaging 10.8 points. He led the Colonels with 14 points in their recent win and scored a season-high 20 at Northern Kentucky on Nov. 24. The Colonels have struggled defensively, allowing 84.3 points per game. “We showed some fight and got back to defending the way we need to,” Eastern Kentucky coach A.W. Hamilton said of the Eastern Illinois win. “Miami is an elite offensive team. We have to control the tempo and make them uncomfortable.” History adds intrigue to the matchup. This is the first meeting between the programs since the 2018-19 season. Miami last started 9-0 in the 1994-95 season. Eastern Kentucky’s schedule has been notably tougher, with six of its seven losses coming on the road. The Redhawks’ depth will be a factor, with Peter Suder (16 points vs. Asheville) and Luke Skaljac (9 assists) providing key support. For the Colonels, sustaining the defensive effort from their last outing will be paramount to pulling an upset. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST. Miami travels to Wright State on Tuesday, while Eastern Kentucky visits Jacksonville State next Wednesday.