Miami Ohio basketball beats Central Michigan 100-61, Byers scores 24 in dominant win

Miami Ohio basketball absolutely dominated Central Michigan Tuesday night with a shocking 100-61 victory at home. Brant Byers led the charge with 24 points, keeping the RedHawks undefeated at 18-0. This historic start proves Miami’s dominant turnaround is no fluke.

Historic Dominance in MAC Conference

The Miami RedHawks showed absolute control from start to finish. Central Michigan couldn’t match Miami’s intensity. The 39-point margin tells the story of a team peaking at exactly the right time. Miami shot a scorching 60.4 percent from the field with 11 three-pointers made. 6-0 MAC record matches last season’s conference dominance to start.

This game marked a historic milestone for the program. Miami (Ohio) hadn’t scored 100 points against a MAC opponent since January 5, 2002, when they defeated Central Michigan in double overtime. The RedHawks have now reached 100-plus points five times this season.

Balanced Scoring Attack Powers RedHawks

Justin Kirby delivered his season-high with 17 points off the bench, showcasing bench depth. Luke Skaljac contributed 13 points and a game-leading 6 assists while shooting 3-for-4 from three. Peter Suder added 11 points. Antwone Woolfolk chipped in 10 points with 4 steals and 2 blocks.

The bench scoring advantage proved decisive, with 40 points coming from reserves. Miami forced 15 turnovers while committing only 9. The free throw shooting of 89.3 percent showed execution in crucial clutch situations. Luke Skaljac‘s three-point haul of 3-of-4 demonstrates the team’s ability to space the floor.

Central Michigan Struggles Against Elite Defense

Central Michigan couldn’t generate offense against Miami’s defense. The Chippewas, 5-13 overall and 1-5 in MAC play, fell behind quickly and never recovered. Nathan Claerbaut led the visitors with 16 points alone. The second-half outscoring was devastating, as Miami outscored CMU 51-26 after halftime.

Second-Half Surge Sealed Dominant Victory

Miami controlled momentum completely during an explosive third quarter. The RedHawks scored 51 points in the second half while holding Central Michigan to just 26. Tyler Robbins recorded a critical tip-in late in the game. The bench rotation’s depth meant Central Michigan faced fresh defenders throughout.

Miami finished with only 9 turnovers, showcasing excellent ball handling. Antwone Woolfolk‘s 4 steals created multiple transition opportunities that turned into points. Luke Skaljac‘s 6 assists controlled the pace, never allowing Central Michigan to establish any rhythm. The rebound advantage of 33-26 gave Miami extra possessions down the stretch.

Can Miami Ohio Continue This Incredible Undefeated Run?

The 18-0 start represents the best beginning in Miami (Ohio) basketball history. Buffalo visits Millett Hall next on January 17 at 1 p.m. on ESPN Plus. Brant Byers has now scored 20-plus points on four separate occasions this season, proving his consistency. Can this Cinderella story continue through MAC play and into the NCAA Tournament?

Sources

• ESPN Official Box Score: Game details from Miami Ohio vs Central Michigan on January 13, 2026
• Miami University Athletics: Official RedHawks game recap and player statistics
• CBS Sports: College basketball scoring updates and game analysis

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.