MUNCIE, Ind. — Senior guard Marcus Johnson erupted for 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting to lead Miami (OH) past Ball State 78-71 Tuesday night, snapping the RedHawks’ three-game losing streak in dramatic fashion at Worthen Arena.
Johnson, who entered averaging 14.2 points per game, buried six three-pointers and added seven rebounds to pace Miami’s most complete offensive performance in over a month. The victory improved the RedHawks to 12-8 overall and 4-3 in Mid-American Conference play.
Fourth-Quarter Surge Seals Victory
Ball State (9-11, 2-5 MAC) led 58-55 entering the final frame before Miami unleashed a devastating 15-4 run over the next six minutes. Junior forward Kam Craft sparked the surge with back-to-back dunks, while Johnson capped the decisive stretch with a step-back three-pointer that put the RedHawks ahead 70-62 with 4:18 remaining.
“We’ve been searching for that killer instinct all season,” Miami head coach Travis Steele said. “Marcus took over when we needed him most, and Kam gave us the energy we desperately needed down the stretch.”
Craft finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, falling just short of his fourth double-double of the season. The 6-foot-8 forward from Cincinnati has emerged as Miami’s most reliable interior presence, averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds over the RedHawks’ last eight games.
Cardinals Miss Chance to Build Cushion
Ball State controlled much of the first half behind the hot shooting of senior guard Payton Sparks, who scored 14 of his 22 points before intermission. The Cardinals shot 52.4% from the field in the opening 20 minutes and led 41-36 at the break.
But Miami’s defensive adjustments after halftime proved decisive. The RedHawks limited Ball State to just 35.5% shooting in the second half while forcing 11 turnovers that led to 15 points.
“We got away from what was working for us,” Ball State coach Michael Lewis said. “Credit Miami for making us uncomfortable, but we have to execute better in crunch time.”
Cardinals forward Jermahri Hill added 18 points and six assists but committed five turnovers, including three in the final eight minutes that allowed Miami to seize control.
MAC Tournament Implications
The victory keeps Miami firmly in the hunt for one of the MAC’s top-six seeds that earn a first-round bye in the conference tournament. The RedHawks entered Tuesday tied for fifth place in the 12-team league standings.
Central Michigan leads the MAC at 6-1, followed by Akron (5-2) and Toledo (5-2). Miami’s remaining schedule includes home games against struggling Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois before a crucial road trip to face Kent State and Ohio.
Johnson’s breakout performance couldn’t have come at a better time for a Miami team that had scored fewer than 70 points in four of its previous six games. The 6-foot-2 guard from Columbus transferred from Division II Ashland before the season and has steadily increased his scoring output as conference play has intensified.
Offensive Balance Emerges
Beyond Johnson’s explosive night, Miami received solid contributions throughout its rotation. Sophomore guard Isaiah Coleman-Lands added 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, while junior center Peter Suder chipped in eight points and five rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench.
The RedHawks shot 47.3% from the field for the game and connected on 12 of 28 three-point attempts, their best perimeter shooting performance since a December victory over Wright State.
Ball State, meanwhile, struggled to match Miami’s depth. The Cardinals got just 15 points from their bench and were outrebounded 38-32 despite playing at home.
Miami returns home Saturday to face Eastern Michigan (6-14, 1-6 MAC) at Millett Hall, looking to build momentum heading into the final month of the regular season.
