Massachusetts Stuns Top-Seeded Miami (Ohio) in MAC Tournament Thriller

CLEVELAND (Interstat) — Massachusetts upset top-seeded Miami (Ohio) 87-83 in a Mid-American Conference tournament men’s basketball game Thursday at Rocket Arena, ending the Redhawks’ dominant season.

The Minutemen, who trailed 39-37 at halftime, used a 50-point second half to secure the victory. Leonardo Bettiol led Massachusetts with 25 points and eight rebounds. Miami (Ohio), which entered the game with a 31-1 record, was led by Brant Byers’ 17 points.

Despite making only 3 of 15 three-point attempts, Massachusetts won by dominating inside, outrebounding Miami (Ohio) 15-7 on the offensive glass and scoring 52 points in the paint. The Redhawks shot 12 for 33 from beyond the arc but committed eight turnovers.