MIAMI BASKETBALL

Second half surge gives MU opening night win

Five reach double figures as RedHawks shake off cold start

Evan Ipsaro gets some clothesline defense from Stephaun Walker while driving the lane. (MVSmith/MRO)

By MIKE SMITH
​OXFORD, OH  -- Miami overcame a slow start, eventually putting five players in double figures while posting an 87-72 win over Old Dominion Monday at Millett Hall. 
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The visiting Monarchs connected on 53.8 percent from the field and 61.5 percent on threes in the first half. That helped ODU build up a 14-point lead (18-4) with 13:37 left in the first half. Three of those RedHawk points came from junior Eian Elmer, who did not hit another field goal. It was also one of just two 3-point goals for Miami, which again figures to be a strong 3-point team, in the first half. 
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The RedHawks spent . . . 

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Antwone Wolfolk scores two of his 12 points. (MVSmith/MRO)

. . . much of the first half chipping away. Hitting 41.4 percent (12 of 29) overall and 11 of 13 free throws, MU trailed 45-37 at intermission.

The chase continued in the second half, and Almar Atlason's triple at 14:23 put Miami in front 53-52. 
The game was tied at 58-all when MU went in front to stay. The RedHawks led 61-60 when they went on a 15-2 run that put Miami in front 79-60 following Peter Suder's triple at 2:54. 

Miami connected on 41.7 percent from beyond the arc and 58.6 percent from the floor after intermission. Old Dominion dropped off to 12.5 percent on treys and 40.7 percent overall. 
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Miami Head Coach Travis Steele was generally pleased with his team's opening night win over Old Dominion. (MVSmith/MRO)

NOTES
• Byers led all scorers with 18 points. Evan Ipsaro (16), Suder (14) and Antwone Woolfolk (12) also reached double figures for Miami.
• LJ Thomas led the Monarchs with 13 points. Ketron Shaw (11) , Caelum Swanton-Rodger (10) and Jordan Battle (10) were also in double figures. Two more players contributed nine apiece. 
• Miami outscored the visitors 28-7 off turnovers and 42-24 in the paint. 
• RedHawks Head Coach Travis Steele recently said he thought this year's team could get to the free throw line more. MU shot 27 free throws, sinking 22 agains ODU. 
• Miami held a 33-29 edge in rebounds. 
• The RedHawks recorded 11 assists. Steele said he wants to see that number improve and expects it will as MU dribbles a little less and has a better night shooting. 

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