In a thrilling Mid-American Conference matchup, the No. 23 Miami (Ohio) basketball team sustained its perfect record, overcoming host Buffalo with a tight 73-71 score. Guard Luke Skaljac delivered a standout performance, achieving a personal best of 19 points. This hard-fought victory underscores Miami's resilience and strategic prowess, keeping them as one of only two undefeated NCAA Division I teams this season.
The game unfolded with palpable tension, culminating in a dramatic finish. With mere seconds left, Buffalo's Noah Batchelor sank a three-pointer, narrowing Miami's lead to a precarious 73-71. The home team then had a golden opportunity to snatch victory, but Ryan Sabol's potential game-winning three-point attempt grazed the front of the rim and failed to drop, securing Miami's win.
Skaljac's impact extended beyond scoring; he also contributed significantly with five steals, four rebounds, and three assists, showcasing his all-around game. Key contributions from Brant Byers, who added 11 points, and Peter Suder, with 10 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, were instrumental in Miami's success. Their collective effort solidified Miami's impressive 23-0 overall record and 11-0 conference standing.
Early in the second half, Miami established a significant lead with a 10-0 run, highlighted by Suder's layup, pushing them to a 48-37 advantage. Skaljac's jumper further extended their lead to 52-40. However, Buffalo, undeterred, mounted a nine-point rally to close the gap. The game remained intensely competitive, with Angelo Brizzi's three-pointer for Buffalo tying the score at 62-all later in the half.
The teams exchanged leads and ties throughout the remainder of the game. Miami managed to pull ahead to a 72-66 lead following a layup and an 18-foot jumper from Skaljac in the final minutes. Buffalo's Brizzi responded with a dunk, but a free throw from Justin Kirby cemented Miami's narrow 73-68 lead, which they defended until the final buzzer.
A notable disparity in the game was Buffalo's advantage at the free-throw line, converting 14 of 18 attempts, while Miami only attempted six, making three. Despite this, Miami's superior field-goal percentage in the first half, shooting 56.7% compared to Buffalo's 38.7%, provided a crucial foundation for their victory. This contest echoed their earlier season meeting, where Miami also edged out Buffalo in an overtime thriller.
This latest triumph not only extends Miami (Ohio)'s remarkable unbeaten streak but also underscores their position as a formidable force in collegiate basketball. Their ability to perform under pressure and secure victories in tight contests demonstrates their championship potential and consistency, maintaining their perfect season alongside Arizona.