ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — Evan Ipsaro converted two free throws with 0.7 seconds remaining in overtime to lift unbeaten Miami (Ohio) to a 90-87 victory over UNC Asheville in a nonconference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Kimmel Arena.

The Redhawks, who led by as many as 13 points in the second half, squandered a late six-point lead in regulation but dominated the extra period defensively to escape and improve to 9-0. The Bulldogs, led by a career-high 31 points from Toyaz Solomon, fell to 4-6.

Miami appeared to have the game in hand, leading 84-78 with under 30 seconds to play in regulation. But UNC Asheville mounted a furious rally, keyed by its defense. Justin Wright, who finished with 26 points and eight assists, stole the ball from Luke Skaljac and converted a layup while being fouled with 45 seconds left. He missed the ensuing free throw, but the Bulldogs secured the offensive rebound.

After a Miami foul, DJ Patrick sank two free throws to cut the deficit to two. Following a Redhawks turnover on a shot-clock violation, the Bulldogs’ Myles Mayfield was fouled on a rebound attempt with 23 seconds left. He calmly sank both free throws to tie the game at 84.

Miami had a chance to win in regulation, but Ipsaro’s jumper with three seconds left was off the mark, sending the game to overtime before an announced crowd of 903.

The extra period belonged to the Redhawks’ defense. UNC Asheville managed only a single field goal — a turnaround jumper from Solomon 17 seconds in — and three total points. Solomon’s basket gave the Bulldogs an 86-84 lead, but it would be their last score from the field.

Miami responded with an Ipsaro layup and a pull-up jumper from the sophomore guard to take an 88-86 lead. After a Solomon turnover, the Redhawks had a chance to extend their lead but Brant Byers missed the front end of a one-and-one with 21 seconds left.

UNC Asheville had two opportunities to tie or take the lead. Solomon missed a layup, and after a scramble, the Bulldogs called timeout with 7.8 seconds left. On the ensuing inbounds play, Wright was stripped by Skaljac, leading to a foul on Patrick with 0.7 seconds on the clock. Ipsaro, who led Miami with 27 points, sank both free throws to seal the win.

The game was a tale of two halves. Miami controlled the first, using a 12-2 run midway through the period to build a double-digit lead. The Redhawks shot efficiently and took a 41-35 advantage into the break, fueled by 11 first-half points from Trey Perry off the bench.

The Bulldogs roared back in the second half behind the duo of Solomon and Wright. Solomon, a 6-foot-9 forward from Enfield, North Carolina, scored 23 of his points after halftime, showcasing an array of post moves and perimeter shooting. Wright repeatedly broke down the Miami defense, scoring or assisting on key baskets during a 15-4 run that turned a 71-60 deficit into an 84-78 nail-biter.

Peter Suder scored 16 points for Miami, while Byers and Almar Atlason each added 12. Skaljac directed the offense with nine assists. For UNC Asheville, Patrick finished with 12 points and Mayfield added 10.

The Redhawks’ perfect start will next be tested on the road at Eastern Kentucky on Saturday. UNC Asheville hosts Saint Thomas (Minn.) the same day.