The Miami (OH) RedHawks are gearing up to face the Western Michigan Broncos in Kalamazoo, MI, with the game scheduled to tip-off at 6 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. Currently, Miami (OH) is heavily favored by 11.5 points, with a moneyline of -800, while the total points for the game are set at 163.
As the RedHawks aim to secure their path to a remarkable 31-0 regular season record, starting with this matchup, they bring a potent offense that ranks 60th in overall efficiency according to KenPom statistics. Miami (OH) boasts an impressive effective field goal percentage and excels in both 2-point and 3-point shooting. Their ability to minimize turnovers, averaging just 14%, further emphasizes their offensive prowess. Notably, the team features six players averaging over 10 points per game, led by Brant Byers and Peter Suder, who compile 14.6 points each. A key player to watch is point guard Luke Skaljac, known for his exceptional passing and shooting skills, as he plays a crucial role in the team’s performance.
Defensively, Miami has seen a significant improvement, now ranked 85th in efficiency after allowing 1.09 points per possession or fewer in recent games. The team has tightened its defense following a stretch where they allowed over 1.20 points per possession in multiple outings, emphasizing their adaptability and commitment to success.
On the other hand, Western Michigan sits among the lower-ranked teams in the MAC yet recently pulled off a surprising upset against Bowling Green, scoring 88 points on 1.21 points per possession. They will seek to capitalize on their offensive capabilities as they face a formidable Miami defense. However, the Broncos face concerns regarding the availability of key scorers Jalen Griffith and Brady Swartz, who have missed previous games.
Defensively, the Broncos struggle significantly, ranking 328th in efficiency, which highlights their vulnerability, particularly in the paint, where opponents shoot an alarming 54% from 2-point range. Their offensive strategy also raises questions, as they often depend on outside shooting rather than in-the-paint threats.
As the RedHawks prepare to go head-to-head with the Broncos, one trend to note is their ability to perform strongly in the first half, having covered the first-half spread in seven consecutive games. This performance pattern suggests that their best chance to capitalize in this game may lie in maintaining that early momentum.
Overall, the Miami (OH) RedHawks appear well-equipped to secure a victory against Western Michigan, with their solid offensive lineup and improved defensive strategy. Fans can anticipate an exciting matchup as both teams look to solidify their standings in the MAC.