Miami (Ohio) Stays Perfect, Dominates Central Michigan in MAC Rout

OXFORD, Ohio (Interstat) — The Miami Redhawks, the nation’s last remaining undefeated team in men’s Division I basketball, showed no signs of vulnerability Tuesday night. In a commanding display of depth, defense, and offensive firepower, they dismantled the Central Michigan Chippewas 100-61 in a Mid-American Conference matchup before a crowd of 2,021 at Millett Hall.

The victory pushed Miami to a perfect 18-0 overall record, while Central Michigan fell to 5-13. The Redhawks’ performance was a comprehensive statement, outscoring the Chippewas in both halves and dominating nearly every statistical category.

The most pivotal segment of the game arrived early and decisively. After a competitive opening few minutes that saw Central Michigan take a brief 7-5 lead on a Logan McIntire three-pointer, Miami unleashed a devastating 24-5 run over a span of just over seven minutes. This surge transformed a tight contest into a commanding double-digit lead from which the Chippewas would never recover.

The run was a clinic in disruptive defense and efficient transition offense. Miami forced five Central Michigan turnovers during the stretch, converting them into 10 points. The Redhawks’ length and athleticism, particularly from forward Antwone Woolfolk and guard Luke Skaljac, clogged passing lanes and challenged every shot near the rim. Offensively, the attack was balanced and relentless. Brant Byers ignited the run with a three-pointer, Woolfolk finished with authority inside, and Skaljac orchestrated the offense with precision. By the time the dust settled, Miami led 29-12, and the outcome was effectively sealed.

Central Michigan, led by 7-foot center Nathan Claerbaut’s 16 points, showed brief flashes. Claerbaut’s early jump shots and hook shots kept the Chippewas within striking distance for a time, and McIntire finished with 11 points. But the team’s 18 turnovers, which Miami converted into 18 points, proved insurmountable. The Chippewas also struggled to contain Miami’s multifaceted scoring attack.

Byers, a 6-foot-8 forward from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points in just 23 minutes, showcasing an efficient inside-out game. Skaljac, the 6-foot-2 guard from Brecksville, Ohio, delivered a masterful all-around performance with 13 points, six assists, and a block, serving as the engine for Miami’s high-octane offense. Woolfolk, a 6-foot-9 force from Cleveland, added 10 points, five assists, and two blocks, anchoring the defense.

Miami’s bench provided a significant lift, outscoring Central Michigan’s reserves. Justin Kirby scored 17 points, including three three-pointers, while Peter Suder added 11. The Redhawks shared the ball brilliantly, assisting on 24 of their 36 made field goals, and their 13 fastbreak points underscored their ability to capitalize on defensive stops.

For Central Michigan, the loss continued a difficult season. Keenan Garner joined McIntire and Claerbaut in double figures with 11 points. The Chippewas managed to score 34 points in the paint, largely through Claerbaut’s efforts, but their six points off turnovers paled in comparison to Miami’s output.

The second half was a mere formality as Miami continued to expand its lead, eventually surpassing the 100-point mark on two Jackson Kotecki free throws in the final minute. The Redhawks shot over 50 percent from the field for the game, while their defense held Central Michigan to a sub-40 percent shooting night.

The result defied the pregame over/under line of 155, with the teams combining for 161 points, but it emphatically confirmed the statistical projection that gave Miami a 95.1 percent probability to win. The Redhawks now look ahead to a Saturday home game against Buffalo, aiming to protect their pristine record. Central Michigan, meanwhile, will seek to regroup before hosting Ball State next Tuesday.