MIAMI BASKETBALL

MU holds off Eagle challenge; evens records

Eian Elmore led the RedHawks with 23 points. (MVSmith/MRO)

By MIKE SMITH
OXFORD, OH -- Freshman Eian Elmer poured in a career-high 23 points and grabbed six rebounds as the Miami RedHawks held off Eastern Michigan's second half challenge to post a 71-54 win Saturday at Millett Hall.

With the victory, MU evened both its season mark (8-8) and MAC record (2-2). Eastern Michigan fell to 8-8 overall and 1-3 in MAC play.

Joining Elmer in double figures for MU were forward Bryson Bultman and Anderson Mirambeaux. Bultman, a junior forward. tallied 14 points and registered team highs in rebounds (8) and assists (6). Mirambeaux, meanwhile, drew plenty of defensive attention after Tuesday's 21-point performance at Buffalo. Still, the senior center, contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists. 

Eastern Michigan was . . . 

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Reece Potter scored six points and grabbed five rebounds. (MVSmith/MRO)

. . . paced by Tyson Acuff. The MAC's leading scorer (22.0 ppg) had just five points at intermission but recorded 16 points in the second half to lead an Eagles challenge. Julius Ellerbe flirted with a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing eight caroms. 

The RedHawks went in front early and led nearly the entire first half. They were up by 13 after Hunter's layup at 4:48. However, EMU finished the period with a 9-2 run that left Miami in front 33-28. 

The hosts expanded on their advantage early in the final stanza and led 45-34 with 14:53 remaining. When  Eastern Michigan scored seven straight points, Miami head coach Travis Steele called a time out. 

Although Julius Ellergy hit two free throws when play resumed and Yusuf tied the contest at 45-all on a jumper at 10:56, Miami then seized momentum. Elmer got the RedHawks going with four straight points. Acuff responded with a three, but Miami finished off EMU with a 22-6 run through the final horn.

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Bryson Bultman scored 14 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. (MVSmith/MRO)

Darweshi Hunter was injured in a second half collision but is expected back soon. (MVSmith/MRO)

NOTES:
-- Miami will get a serious test Tuesday (7 p.m. ET) when it hosts Bowling Green. The Falcons are 12-4 overall (3-1 MAC). They have won 10 of their last 11 outings, with the only setback coming at Akron (83-67) Jan. 5. Eastern Michigan hosts Ball State Tuesday (7 p.m. ET)

-- Guard Darweshi Hunter, who has been a valuable transfer from Northern Illinois, was injured during a collision in the second half and did not return. Steele, however, said there doesn't seem to be a concussion and he expects to see Hunter back at practice soon. 

-- The RedHawks connected on 46.0 percent (23 of 50) from the floor on the day, while Eastern Michigan made 18 of 58 (31%). MU hit 7 of 20 threes (35%), while the visitors connected on 4 of 20 (20%). Acuff accounted for three of the four makes.

-- Rebounding, turnovers and free throws were problematic for MU early in the season. Miami outrebounded EMU 39-31, hit 18 of 21 free throws (85.7%) and recorded 11 total turnovers Saturday.

-- Point guard Evan Ipsaro continues to work his way back. He came off the bench to register 20 minutes of playing time but did not score against the Eagles. 

-- Mirambeaux and Mabry were the only players from last year's MU team to play Saturday.

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Anderson Mirambeaux (above) tries to work his way to the basket. At right, Mekhi Cooper takes a shot to the head during a first half drive. (MVSmith/MRO)