Miami’s historic season ends with loss to Akron in MAC title game

Miami Ohio guard Evan Ipsaro (2) drives past Akron guard Nate Johnson (34) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Mid-American Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Miami Ohio guard Evan Ipsaro (2) drives past Akron guard Nate Johnson (34) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Mid-American Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

CLEVELAND — The Miami RedHawks had their historic run halted in heartbreaking fashion Saturday night.

Peter Suder scored a game-high 24 points for Miami, which gave up an 18-point lead in a 76-74 loss to Akron in the Mid-American Conference championship game at Rocket Arena.

The RedHawks (25-9) were eyeing their first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2007, when Doug Penno banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat Akron in the conference finals.

Miami coach Travis Steele went up against his brother and Akron coach John Groce, who leads the series between the two 6-1.

The Zips (28-6) are led by MAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Nate Johnson — a Lakota East graduate. Johnson scored a team-high 22 points.

The RedHawks were attempting to avenge regular-season loss to the Zips, who won rolled to a 102-75 win at Akron.

Miami led 46-36 at the half, highlighted by a 17-3 run. Akron outscored Miami 42-28 in the second half.

Miami’s Evan Ipsaro had 12 points and six assists.

Season milestones

Miami finished with program record 25 wins. … Miami secured the program’s most MAC wins since 2005-06 and surpassed the program record for most team points scored in a single season. … Miami also set a new record for the most consecutive home wins with 15 in a single season.

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