Miami RedHawks Maintain Unbeaten Streak with Victory Over Buffalo

The No. 23 Miami RedHawks secured a remarkable 73-71 victory against the Buffalo Bulls, maintaining their unbeaten season streak. This victory marks their 23rd consecutive win, making them the only team in the country to hold a perfect record at 23-0, surpassing No. 1 Arizona’s previous mark of 22-0.

Key Highlights from the Game

The RedHawks demonstrated a strong defensive performance, a focus emphasized by head coach Travis Steele following their recent victory over Northern Illinois. The team’s defense played a crucial role in the second half, allowing them to break away and execute a decisive 12-2 run against the Bulls.

Defensive Efforts Shining Through

• The RedHawks recorded 12 steals during the game.
• They held Buffalo to just 9-for-28 shooting from three-point range.
• Top Buffalo scorers Daniel Freitag and Ryan Sabol were limited to 18 and 8 points, respectively.

Steele highlighted the importance of defense in his strategy, noting, “Our defense is what allows you to get those big runs.” This game proved that Miami can excel even in tightly contested matchups, showcasing their ability to win beyond just offensive firepower.

Emerging Star: Luke Skaljac

Sophomore point guard Luke Skaljac emerged as a pivotal player, leading the RedHawks with a career-high 19 points. His scoring came at critical moments, helping the team regain control when momentum began to shift towards Buffalo.

• Skaljac also contributed four steals and three assists.
• His development throughout the season has been key, especially after the loss of starting point guard Evan Ipsaro.

His performance not only provided the RedHawks with essential points but also showcased his growth as one of the top point guards in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Upcoming Challenges

Miami’s next challenge will take place on February 7 against Marshall as part of the MAC-SBC Challenge. The RedHawks will look to continue their unbeaten streak and further solidify their status as a top contender in college basketball.

With a focus on defense and pivotal performances from players like Skaljac, the RedHawks are proving their mettle this season. Miami basketball continues to captivate fans with their late-game magic and impressive resilience on the court.