HARRISONBURG, Va. β Travis Steele didn’t hesitate when describing Miami University’s guard play following Monday night’s season opener.
“We got the best backcourt in the country,” the RedHawks coach said.
Luke Skaljac and Evan Ipsaro backed up their coach’s confidence, combining for 34 points, 10 assists and seven steals as Miami rallied from a nine-point second-half deficit to defeat James Madison 86-77 at the Atlantic Union Bank Center.
Skaljac scored 17 of his game-high 19 points after halftime, while Ipsaro added 15 points in his return from a season-ending knee injury suffered last December.
The RedHawks (1-0), coming off an undefeated regular season, extended their regular-season winning streak to 32 games and their road winning streak to 16.
“Luke was out of rhythm a little bit early. He got in rhythm,” Steele said. “Listen, he’s a stud. He’s as good as any guard in the country. When you got those two guys out on the floor, we play.”
Miami trailed 41-35 at halftime and fell behind 54-45 with 14:41 remaining before its backcourt took control.
Ipsaro connected on two 3-pointers early in the second half, while newcomer Stevie Elam scored six consecutive points to tie the game at 58 with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Skaljac followed with a layup and a 3-pointer to put Miami ahead 64-63.
After James Madison briefly regained the lead, the RedHawks responded with a decisive 13-0 run. Skaljac connected on two more 3-pointers, including one following his third steal that pushed Miami ahead 75-65.
“He’s the ultimate closer,” Steele said of Skaljac. “He was tremendous.”
Elam finished with 13 points after battling early foul trouble, while Almar Atlason added 10.
Steele credited Elam’s physicality, rebounding and defensive effort for helping change the momentum.
“He’s starting to figure it out,” Steele said. “Listen, he can really score. I wouldn’t be surprised at the end of the year if he’s leading us in scoring.”
Antwone Woolfolk contributed eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds, helping Miami limit James Madison to four offensive rebounds in the second half after allowing 12 before halftime.
The RedHawks converted 16 of 17 free throws and maintained their composure despite facing a nine-point second-half deficit on the road.
“It’s all about your response,” Steele said. “We train that every day with our guys. How can they stay in the moment, focus, not get dizzy?
“Our guys just stayed with it. They know it’s a 40-minute game. Our guys have that ability to show those big responses that we need in those big moments.”
Steele was particularly pleased with Ipsaro, who finished with five assists and four steals in his first regular-season game in nearly 11 months.
“Happy for Evan getting back out here,” Steele said. “It’s been a long time, and he took his licks out there tonight. He just puts his body on the line. Just the ultimate winner.”
Paul Jones III led James Madison (0-1) with 14 points.
Steele called the victory significant against a talented Dukes team expected to contend in the Sun Belt Conference.
“To start out on the road, I love starting on the road,” Steele said. “Getting that road kill, especially at a place like this, man, that’s a heck of a win for us and our program.”
Miami returns to Millett Hall for its home opener against Bellarmine at 5 p.m. Saturday.
“This is game one,” Steele said. “We gotta watch film. We gotta get better from it.”
