The University of Massachusetts Minutemen are gearing up for an exciting matchup against the 23rd-ranked Miami RedHawks on Tuesday, February 17, at 7:00 p.m. at the Mullins Center in Amherst, Massachusetts. This highly anticipated game comes off the heels of a recent thrilling encounter between the two teams, which saw Miami narrowly escape with an 86-84 victory on January 27.
In that previous matchup, graduate student Leonardo Bettiol showcased his skills with an impressive double-double, contributing 22 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Marcus Banks Jr. also made a significant impact by scoring 18 points, including 4-of-9 from three-point range, while Daniel Hankins-Sanford chipped in with 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting. On the other side, the RedHawks’ Eian Elmer led all scorers with 30 points, supported by Justin Kirby and Peter Suder, who both added 13 points.
Historically, Massachusetts has faced Miami three times, with the Minutemen having won the previous two meetings in a home-and-home series during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. The first of those encounters occurred on January 2, 2013, where UMass narrowly bested Miami 70-69, thanks to a strong performance from Raphiael Putney.
In their most recent outing, the Minutemen suffered a close 99-92 defeat against Akron, moving their record to 6-7 overall in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). K’Jei Parker led UMass in scoring with 20 points, showcasing a solid 5-for-10 performance from beyond the arc.
The Miami RedHawks, who arrive at the Mullins Center undefeated this season with a remarkable 25-0 overall record and 12-0 in the MAC, present a considerable challenge. Head Coach Travis Steele, now in his fourth season, has built a strong team, with Brant Byers leading the scoring, averaging 15 points per game. Eian Elmer and Antwone Woolfolk contribute defensively, leading the team in rebounding.
The Minutemen are currently under their fourth season of leadership from head coach Frank Martin. After guiding UMass to its best season since 2014 with a 20-11 record last year, Martin is quickly solidifying his legacy at the program. His tally of 350 career wins, including 171 at South Carolina, demonstrates his experience and capability of elevating the Minutemen’s competitive stature.
Looking ahead, UMass will conclude their two-game homestand against Buffalo on Saturday, February 21, at 6 p.m. Fans can catch the live action on ESPN+ and keep up with updates via umassathletics.com or their various social media channels.
This upcoming game against a ranked opponent presents an excellent opportunity for the Minutemen, stirring excitement within the community as they strive to reclaim their form and aim to upset their formidable guests. With their passionate fanbase behind them, Massachusetts basketball is poised for a thrilling evening of collegiate sports.