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Former Auburn Tigers men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl said Wednesday he’s still unsure if the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks are a lock for an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament if they don’t earn an automatic selection.
The RedHawks moved to 30-0 on Tuesday night and clinched a share of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) regular season title. The No. 19 team is the only Division I men’s team still undefeated. Seven of their wins were by three points or fewer, and three of their wins came in overtime. Miami has not played against any ranked opponents.
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Bruce Pearl walks onto the field before the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 27, 2025. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)
It’s the RedHawks’ resume that seemed to give Pearl pause despite being a fan of Miami head coach Travis Steele and the work he’s done with the middling program.
“What Miami of Ohio has done has been incredible, and the questions start like this: ‘Do we pick the best 37 teams or do we pick the 37 most deserving?’ “Do I think they’re a top 37 team? I don’t. That’s my opinion and it’s not personal.
Miami (OH) RedHawks head coach Travis Steele works on the sideline against the Ohio Bobcats during the second half at Millett Hall on Feb. 13, 2026. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)
“Look, that’s what makes part of this time of year so much fun. We’re entitled to our opinions, and obviously they’re going to have an opportunity to play it out on the field. I think Travis Steele has done an incredible job. I think bringing it every single night and winning all those close games — what a season, what chemistry. But I’m not sure Akron is the best day at the end.”
The Zips are 25-5 this season with a 16-1 record in the MAC. The team could very well upset Miami in the conference tournament. Akron played a top 25 team, No. 2 Purdue, but lost.
“Akron played a tougher schedule,” added Pearl. “Akron is a little bit more battle-tested. They’ve got a little bit more size. If it becomes that matchup, it will be an interesting matchup. It’s not a knock on Miami of Ohio.”
Miami (OH) guard Peter Suder, center, and the team celebrate the regular season trophy at the end of an NCAA college basketball game against Toledo, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Oxford, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)
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The rest of the season is still to be played. Miami has one more regular season game on the schedule before the conference tournament begins.
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