Miami of Ohio head coach Travis Steele believed that a strong 3-point shooting performance could potentially lead to an upset against Indiana, a program he once coached and continues to support. While the RedHawks hit 11 three-pointers, they ultimately couldn’t contain Oumar Ballo and Malik Reneau inside, resulting in a 76-57 loss.
Steele, a native of Danville, Ind., and former member of Indiana’s coaching staff, aimed to make a statement with his team, which has struggled to reach the NCAA Tournament since 2007. Despite the final score suggesting a comfortable win for Indiana, Miami kept the game competitive for nearly 30 minutes. A five-point deficit with 10 minutes to go eventually widened as the RedHawks’ 3-pointers stopped falling, and they couldn’t match Indiana’s size and strength in the paint.
Steele expressed disappointment after the game but acknowledged his team’s progress, especially after finishing with losing records in his first two seasons. He emphasized that just being competitive isn’t enough for Miami, stating that their goal was to win, not just keep it close. He noted that his team was more talented and cohesive than in previous years, though there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Miami kept the game within reach for much of the first half with hot shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. Despite three separate double-digit deficits, the RedHawks answered each time with 3-pointers, cutting Indiana’s leads back down. At halftime, Miami trailed by just three points, largely thanks to their strong 3-point shooting (7-of-16). However, in the second half, their offense cooled off, and they struggled to compete with Indiana’s dominant inside game, particularly from Ballo and Reneau.
Reneau and Ballo combined for 33 points and 18 rebounds, and their presence helped Indiana go on a decisive 12-0 run late in the game. Despite some good looks from Miami, the RedHawks couldn’t sustain their shooting, ultimately falling to the Hoosiers. Steele praised Reneau’s development, calling him a potential all-league player. The loss dropped Miami to 5-3 on the season, with their next challenge coming before Mid-American Conference play.
Despite the defeat, Steele reflected positively on his return to Assembly Hall, a place with personal significance due to his history with the Indiana program. While he didn’t cheer for Indiana that night, Steele continued to hold the program in high regard and emphasized the valuable experience his team gained from playing in such a historic venue.
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