OXFORD, Ohio (Interstat) — In a high-octane offensive duel that stretched into overtime, the unbeaten Miami (Ohio) Redhawks survived a monumental challenge from the Buffalo Bulls, escaping with a 105-102 victory in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball thriller Saturday afternoon at Millett Hall.

The game, a stark contrast to the statistical projection of a 159-point over/under line, saw both teams combine for 207 points on remarkably efficient shooting. The outcome preserved Miami (Ohio)’s perfect season at 19-0, while Buffalo fell to 13-4.

The contest was ultimately defined by a breathtaking final sequence in the extra period. With the score tied at 102 and under 20 seconds remaining, Miami (Ohio) executed a decisive play. Luke Skaljac found a soaring Peter Suder, who drained a 3-pointer with one second left on the clock to break the deadstone and send the crowd of 5,088 into a frenzy. Suder’s clutch shot was the culmination of a career-high 37-point performance, solidifying his status as the game’s premier star.

The final play was a fitting end to a game that featured 18 lead changes and neither team leading by more than eight points. Regulation ended in dramatic fashion, necessitating the extra period. Buffalo’s Daniel Freitag, who finished with 22 points and eight assists, sank two free throws with 12 seconds left in the second half to tie the game at 88. Miami (Ohio) had a chance to win it, but Eian Elmer’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer missed.

Overtime was a tense back-and-forth affair. Buffalo’s Ezra McKenna hit a 3-pointer with 19 seconds left to knot the score at 102, setting the stage for Suder’s heroics. The Redhawks’ composure in the final moments proved the difference, as they scored on their final three possessions of the extra period.

The game was an offensive showcase from the opening tip. Buffalo shot 53.8% from the field and 50% from 3-point range, led by Angelo Brizzi’s 24 points and Ryan Sabol’s 20. Miami (Ohio) was equally potent, shooting 57.6% overall and 44.8% from deep. The Redhawks dominated inside, outscoring Buffalo 50-34 in the paint, a key factor countered by Buffalo’s superior perimeter shooting.

Suder’s 37 points came on 13-of-19 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. He was complemented by Skaljac, who orchestrated the offense with 18 points and 10 assists. For Buffalo, the guard trio of Freitag, Brizzi, and Sabol combined for 66 points, but the Bulls were hampered by 14 turnovers, which Miami (Ohio) converted into 20 points.

The victory extends Miami (Ohio)’s best start in program history and maintains its firm grip on first place in the MAC. The Redhawks, who entered the game with a 92.6% probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, faced their toughest test of the season. Buffalo, coming off a home loss to Kent State, demonstrated it is a legitimate conference contender, pushing the nation’s last remaining unbeaten team to the absolute limit.

Miami (Ohio) next travels to face Kent State on Tuesday. Buffalo returns home to host Akron, also on Tuesday, looking to rebound from this heart-breaking defeat. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch in Buffalo on Feb. 3.