JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Miami (Ohio) Redhawks remained undefeated, using a dominant second-half performance to pull away from the UNC Greensboro Spartans 82-71 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Wednesday at 121 Financial Ballpark.

In a game defined by a stark reversal of fortune after halftime, the Redhawks improved to 6-0, while the Spartans fell to 1-7.

Peter Suder led all scorers with 20 points for Miami (Ohio), adding seven rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes of action. His backcourt mate, Evan Ipsaro, orchestrated the offense with four assists to go with nine points. The Redhawks’ attack was balanced, with significant contributions from Almar Atlason, who scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Brant Byers, who came off the bench to chip in 11 points.

The first half was a tightly contested affair that saw UNC Greensboro take a 42-34 lead into the break. The Spartans were led by Justin Neely, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. KJ Younger provided a scoring punch with 14 points and six boards, while Assane Mandian added 11 points.

The game turned decisively in the second half. Miami (Ohio) exploded for 48 points while clamping down defensively, holding UNC Greensboro to just 29 points. The Redhawks’ defensive pressure was a key factor, as they converted Spartan turnovers into 26 points, compared to just 10 points off turnovers for UNC Greensboro. Miami (Ohio) also capitalized in transition, outscoring the Spartans 10-5 on fast breaks.

The Redhawks seized control early in the second period. After a back-and-forth start, a steal by Eian Elmer led to a transition three-pointer from Atlason, assisted by Ipsaro, pushing the Miami (Ohio) lead to 45-40 and forcing a Spartan timeout. The Redhawks continued to build momentum, with a layup from Antwone Woolfolk and a three-pointer from Byers extending the advantage.

UNC Greensboro struggled to find an answer for Miami (Ohio)’s intensified defense and efficient scoring. A critical sequence saw the Redhawks stretch their lead to double digits on a three-pointer from Suder, making it 64-53, and they never looked back. Byers and Atlason continued to hit key shots down the stretch, with Atlason’s three-pointer with under five minutes to play effectively sealing the victory.

Beyond the standout individual performances, the Redhawks showcased their depth and defensive tenacity. Elmer contributed eight points, six rebounds, and a crucial blocked shot, while the team’s collective effort on the defensive end stifled the Spartans’ offensive rhythm after halftime.

The game was part of a multi-team event held in Jacksonville. Miami (Ohio) entered the contest on a hot streak, having soundly defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff in its previous outing. UNC Greensboro, meanwhile, was looking to rebound from a loss to Delaware.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Miami (Ohio) was projected with a 70.80 percent probability to win, a forecast the Redhawks fulfilled with their strong second-half showing.

Miami (Ohio) will look to continue its perfect start when it hosts Indiana-East next Tuesday. UNC Greensboro aims to get back on track with a home game against UNC Asheville, also scheduled for Tuesday.