Preview: Undefeated Miami (Ohio) Hosts Struggling Central Michigan in MAC Clash

OXFORD, Ohio (Interstat) — The nation’s only remaining undefeated team in Division I men’s basketball looks to continue its historic start when No. [Rank TBD] Miami (Ohio) hosts Central Michigan in a Mid-American Conference matchup Tuesday night at Millett Hall.

The Redhawks (17-0, 3-0 MAC) are one of the season’s biggest surprises, boasting a perfect record that includes non-conference road wins at Wright State and Eastern Kentucky. They enter on the heels of an 87-73 victory at Toledo last Friday, led by 20 points from guard Brant Byers. Byers averages 18.2 points per game and is coming off a 26-point performance in a win over Akron on Jan. 3.

Conversely, the visiting Central Michigan Chippewas (5-12, 1-2) have faced a difficult season. They snapped a five-game losing streak with an 87-85 home win over Kent State on Saturday. Keenan Garner led that effort with 16 points in 21 minutes off the bench. The junior guard will be a key factor if the Chippewas hope to challenge the conference frontrunner.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in trajectories. Miami’s average margin of victory is 19.2 points, and its offense has scored 93 or more points four times this season. Central Michigan has struggled defensively, allowing 80 or more points in seven of its 12 losses, including a 107-55 defeat at Saint Louis on Dec. 7.

History also favors the Redhawks, who have won seven of the last ten meetings between the programs. Central Michigan’s last win in Oxford came in 2020.

For Miami, the game represents another step in maintaining its perfect record and conference lead. For Central Michigan, it is a daunting opportunity to pull off what would be a season-defining upset against the nation’s last unbeaten team.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Miami (Ohio) will host Buffalo on Saturday, while Central Michigan’s next game is at home against Ball State on Jan. 20.