(BCSNN | UPI) — Eian Elmer scored a career‑best 30 points as No. 24/25 Miami University held off Massachusetts 86-84 on Tuesday night before 9,223 fans at Millett Hall. The RedHawks (21-0, 9-0 MAC), playing their first home game as a nationally ranked team, extended their home winning streak to 27 games after rallying from a double‑digit first‑half deficit.
“We got some shots to fall, and thankfully Millett was packed out tonight, so that definitely helped the energy swing our way,” said Elmer.
Elmer matched his career high with five first‑half three‑pointers and hit four straight shots during a key stretch that kept Miami close after UMass (13-9, 4-6) opened a 22-13 lead. With Luke Skaljac out (illness), Elmer carried a larger offensive load.
“He was tremendous,” head coach Travis Steele said. “That’s what it takes: When one guy goes down, ‘next man up’ mentality…there was more on Eian’s shoulders, and he’s built for it.”
Miami did not regain the lead until 8:40 remained, when Elmer hit a three following two from Almar Atlason. The RedHawks took the lead for good with 4:19 left on an Antwone Woolfolk three‑point play, part of an 8-0 run that turned a 75-74 deficit into an 82-75 advantage. UMass cut the margin to 85-84 with 8.8 seconds left before Peter Suder split two free throws. The Minutemen’s half‑court heave at the buzzer missed.
“We know adversity’s going to hit,” Elmer said. “We just have to fire our way back in.”
Miami finished the night as one of only two unbeaten teams in Division I, along with Arizona.
Steele credited the crowd for its impact. “The students were elite, they were loud. They propelled us, quite honestly…our students were the difference in the game.”
Elmer shot 9‑for‑14 from the field and 6‑for‑11 from three, adding seven rebounds. He has 55 points over his last two games and has posted consecutive 20‑point outings for the first time in his career. Steele noted his development: “He plays to win, man…when he first got here…I was like, ‘Man, this dude’s got a long, long, long ways to go.’”
Miami was out‑rebounded 20-12 in the first half but controlled the glass 20-14 after halftime. Justin Kirby matched Elmer with seven rebounds. “Kirby had a couple big‑time plays,” Steele said. “He had a couple rebounds where he high‑pointed those things.”
The RedHawks attempted 38 free throws, making 28, their most in a game since January 2025. Steele cited UMass’ physicality: “It’s like helmets and shoulder pads…they deny and they pressure the entire game…you’ve got to play through bumps.”
Suder finished with nine assists, tying his season high. “He’s an incredible playmaker…he does whatever the game tells him to do,” Steele said. “We finished with nine turnovers and we’re down our two PGs; he’s a big reason for that.”
The crowd of 9,223 was among the 10 largest in Millett Hall history. “I was shocked when I went out there, I couldn’t sit in my normal spot,” Steele said. “The students were incredible.”
Up Next
Miami hosts Northern Illinois on Saturday, Jan. 31, as part of One Miami Day. Program legend Ron Harper will receive an honorary degree between games. Tickets are sold out, with limited student tickets remaining
