Both Miami and Eastern Michigan turned in strong defensive efforts Saturday, but the RedHawks eventually prevailed 59-48 thanks largely to success at the one place they could not be guarded -- the free throw line.
Miami (12-10, 4-5 MAC) has struggled from the stripe at times this year, but the RedHawks hit 20-of-25 tries (80%) against EMU. Meanwhile, the Eagles (9-13, 3-6 MAC) made just 11-of-20 (55%) of their charity tosses.
Both teams struggled mightily overall, with neither team topping 35 percent from the floor or 16 percent from outside the arc.
Miami had one more field goal, knocking down 18-of-54 (33.3%), while the hosts connected on 17-of-48 (34.7%). It was significantly grimmer outside the arc as each team hit three 3-point goals and the two combined for 6-of-41 (14.6%). Both teams connected on just one first half triple.
The visiting RedHawks took a 25-17 lead into halftime despite shooting 28.1 percent from the field overall and making 1-of-11 tries on treys. An 11-4 advantage in turnover margin, however, allowed MU to record two more baskets and the visitors also scored four more free throws.
Midway through the second period, Miami stretched its lead to double digits. A Dalonte Brown triple at 5:35 gave MU its largest lead of the day (13 points) with a 45-32 advantage.
The closest Eastern Michigan could get after that was seven points, 50-43, after a Paul Jackson trey at 1:34. Darrian Ringo hit one of two free throws and Jalen Adaway slammed home a dunk to re-establish a double-digit lead and MU feasted at the foul line over the final minute..
Brown and Adaway tied for RedHawk scoring honors with 15 points apiece. The latter also recorded three of MU’s four blocks on the day and grabbed eight caroms.
Paul Jackson topped Eastern Michigan with 16 points, while Boubacar Toure registered a double-double on 13 points and 14 rebounds. Elijah Minnah contributed 10 points. Only one other Eagle had as many as four points in the defensive struggle.
Miami, which never trailed, had a 24-4 advantage in points off the bench and 13-7 edge in points off turnovers.
It was Miami’s fourth win over its last five outings, with the only setback coming Tuesday (66-63) at home to Toledo.
Eastern Michigan lost for the fifth time in its last six contests.
NEXT:
Eastern Michigan hosts Northern Illinois (Sat., Feb 9, 2 p.m.)
Miami visits Kent State (Tuesday, 7 p.m.)