Former Indiana Assistant Travis Steele’s Miami of Ohio RedHawks Push Hoosiers to the Limit
In a tightly contested game that showcased the intensity of college basketball, Travis Steele, former assistant coach for the Indiana Hoosiers, led his Miami of Ohio RedHawks in an impressive showdown against his old program. The game, played at Assembly Hall, saw the Hoosiers escape with a narrow victory, but not without a fierce battle from Steele’s resilient RedHawks.
The Matchup
From the opening tip, it was clear that Steele’s Miami squad came prepared to challenge the Big Ten powerhouse. Known for his tactical acumen and player development, Steele implemented a game plan that emphasized aggressive defense and disciplined ball movement.
The Hoosiers, despite being heavily favored, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. Miami’s defense disrupted Indiana’s flow, forcing multiple turnovers and contested shots. On offense, the RedHawks relied on a balanced attack, with guards Isaiah Coleman-Lands and Mekhi Lairy leading the charge. Their ability to penetrate Indiana’s defense and knock down clutch shots kept the game within reach.
At halftime, the Hoosiers led by a slim margin, 35-32, as Miami’s underdog spirit kept the crowd on edge.
Steele’s Strategic Impact
Travis Steele, now in his second season as head coach at Miami of Ohio, has transformed the RedHawks into a gritty and competitive team. His years of experience as an assistant at Indiana and head coach at Xavier have made him one of the more respected tacticians in mid-major basketball.
Steele’s familiarity with Indiana’s system was evident throughout the game. He exploited weaknesses in the Hoosiers’ defense, creating opportunities for his players to shine. His ability to make in-game adjustments kept the RedHawks within striking distance until the final buzzer.
A Thrilling Finish
As the second half unfolded, Indiana began to assert their dominance in the paint, with standout performances from forward Mackenzie Mgbako and center Malik Reneau. However, Miami refused to back down, hitting timely three-pointers and capitalizing on Indiana’s mistakes.
With under two minutes remaining, Miami cut the Hoosiers’ lead to just one point, igniting hopes of an upset. Indiana’s experience and depth ultimately proved the difference, as point guard Xavier Johnson sealed the victory with a pair of free throws in the final seconds. The Hoosiers emerged victorious, 72-68, but not without a serious scare.
Postgame Reactions
Indiana head coach Mike Woodson praised Miami’s effort, acknowledging Steele’s impact on the game.
“Travis has done an incredible job with that team,” Woodson said. “They came in here and gave us everything we could handle. Hats off to them.”
Steele, despite the loss, expressed pride in his team’s performance.
“Our guys fought hard,” Steele said. “We went toe-to-toe with one of the best programs in the country. This game shows the progress we’re making, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Looking Ahead
For Travis Steele and Miami of Ohio, this performance serves as a statement that the RedHawks are a program on the rise. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers will take the hard-fought win as a lesson in resilience as they continue their quest for Big Ten dominance.
This showdown was more than just a game—it was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of college basketball.
