Ohio (11-10, 5-4 Mid-American Conference) seemed to get over a hump of sorts when it defeated Buffalo on Tuesday to get over .500 for the first time in nearly a month. Saturday, Ohio will face a whole new challenge against one of the hottest teams in the MAC — Miami (11-10, 5-4 MAC).
As heated a rivalry as the "Battle of the Bricks" is, Ohio and Miami are more alike than they are different this season. They have the same record, not just for the season but also in the conference. Both teams have also played very well at home but have struggled on the road, and each is playing at its highest level of the season.
While Ohio has taken care of business against some weaker competition to fuel its latest winning streak, Miami took down previously unbeaten Akron in a 70-68 win. After an 0-2 start in the MAC, the Redhawks have now won five of their last seven games.
Here's what to know for the "Battle of the Bricks":
Game Information
Opponent: Miami
Date: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Location: The Convo
How to watch: ESPN +
Meet the opponent:
Head Coach: Travis Steele (second season)
Probable starters:
00 Eian Elmer
04 Darweshi Hunter
11 Mekhi Cooper
25 Bryce Bultman
21 Jaquel Morris
Statistical Leaders
Points: Anderson Mirambeaux (13.8 per game)
Rebounds: Bultman (5.4 per game)
Assists: Bultman (2.8 per game)
Steals: Cooper (1 per game)
Blocks: Morris (1 per game)
Field-Goal Percentage: Morris (70%)
Three-point Percentage: Bradley Dean (43.6%)
Free-Throw Percentage: Hunter (82.3%)
History
The "Battle of the Bricks" is Ohio's most storied rivalry. The Bobcats and Redhawks have been squaring off since 1908, a game the Redhawks won 27-8. Ohio leads the all-time series 118-95. Until a blowout loss at Miami last season, Ohio was on a seven-game win streak in the "Battle of the Bricks," which dated back to the 2018-19 season.
Player to watch: Anderson Mirambeaux (Miami)
The Redhawks are unique in their rotations, as the team features 11 players who regularly see playing time. Miami's depth makes it difficult to hone in on one player, and even though Mirambeaux still hasn't started a game, he stands out among the rest of the team. Mirambeaux is one of just two Miami players to average 10 or more points and he does so with nearly 14 points a game. Mirambeaux was an All-MAC honorable-mention caliber player in 2022-23 and at 305 pounds can provide a matchup problem for the centers he goes against.
