Miami (OH)-Middletown vs IU Indianapolis prediction: IU Indy christens James T. Morris Arena with a rebuilt roster
The Jaguars open their new home against a Miami Middletown team in its final season, and the real test is how ten newcomers fit Ben Howlett's fast-paced system.
- IU Indy should control this one against a non-Division I visitor; the interest lies in how the new pieces look together.
- Watch IU Indy's transfers, led by Jason Clarke Jr. and Pat Curtin, against a Miami Middletown roster carrying six freshmen.
- No spread or total is posted yet; last season IU Indy played at the 3rd-fastest pace in Division I.
A new building, a new start
IU Indy has spent the offseason preparing for this 11:00 AM tip on Monday, Nov. 2, when the Jaguars open the brand new, on-campus James T. Morris Arena. They need a fresh start. Last season ended 7-25, and the defence finished 341st of 365 in adjusted defensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponents).
The opponent is Miami Middletown, which is not a Division I program. Its athletics department is also winding down: Miami University Regionals plans to discontinue intercollegiate athletics at the Middletown campus after the 2026-27 academic year, which makes this the Thunderhawks' last go-round. Dexter Robinson coaches a roster that lists six freshmen among 13 players.
Ten newcomers, three returners
Ben Howlett, in his second season, has reshaped the roster. The Jaguars added eight transfers and two true freshmen. Three of the transfers come from other Division I programs, including Jason Clarke Jr. from Appalachian State and Pat Curtin from Bucknell. Precious Idiaru arrives from Gannon's Division II national championship team.
Reece Hagy, Garrett Sever and Kameron Tinsley return, joined by early signees Trey Drexler and Kaloyan Kolev. With that much churn, last season's team numbers are a loose guide at best. No injury, illness or eligibility issues have surfaced for either side.
Tempo and the last meeting
If Howlett's style carries over, expect a sprint. Last season IU Indy averaged 75.4 possessions per 40 minutes, 3rd-most nationally, and moved the ball well, with an assist rate of 64.0% that ranked 10th.
That combination buried Miami Middletown last December. IU Indy won 126-73 at home and set a program record with 42 assists. The flip side of that tempo: the Jaguars allowed 88.3 points per game last season, the most in Division I, so the margin depends on the new defenders as much as the offence.
Numbers that matter
| Last season's pace rank | 3rd | IU Indy played among the fastest games in the country, which inflates scoring on both ends. |
|---|---|---|
| Last meeting | 126-73 | The Jaguars routed Miami Middletown at home in December 2025. |
| Last season's assist rate | 64.0% | Ball movement ranked 10th nationally and fueled a program-record 42 assists against this opponent. |
| Points allowed per game, last season | 88.3 | The worst mark in Division I, and the main thing the transfer class has to fix. |
Miami (OH)-Middletown vs IU Indianapolis: quick answers
When is Miami (OH)-Middletown vs IU Indianapolis?
Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET.