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The Miami RedHawks men’s basketball team became just the fifth NCAA Division I program this century to go undefeated in the regular season after a thrilling overtime victory over Ohio on Friday night.
Miami (Ohio) finished the regular season as the only remaining undefeated team behind the performance of Eian Elmer, who scored a career-high 32 points in the 110-108 victory, and star guard Peter Suder, who scored five of his 13 points in overtime.
Miami (Ohio) guard Trey Perry (1) drives to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Ohio in Athens, Ohio, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/HG Biggs)
Jackson Paveletzke led Ohio with a career-high 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to cement a victory as his would-be buzzer-beater missed the mark.
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With a 31-0 record, the focus now shifts to March basketball as the RedHawks’ spot in the tournament is far from certain.
“An undefeated season, that has to mean something, right?” athletic director David Sayler said USA today of the team’s chances of getting to the national tournament. “Otherwise why wouldn’t we just play three days in the (MAC tournament) and the winner goes to the (NCAA) tournament and forgets the regular season if you don’t want to take an undefeated team?”
The Miami (Ohio) bench reacts after defeating Ohio in an NCAA college basketball game in Athens, Ohio, on March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/HG Biggs)
“That should cement it.”
Miami (Ohio) clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament and opens play against UMass in the quarterfinals on Thursday. A win would secure the team an automatic bid to the national tournament.
Miami (Ohio) guard Trey Perry reacts after defeating Ohio in an NCAA college basketball game in Athens, Ohio, on March 6, 2026. (HG Biggs/AP)
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Suffer a loss and a big bid on the mid-major team becomes more complicated.
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