DAYTON, Ohio — The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks proved Wednesday night that a 31-1 regular season wasn’t a fluke. In their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007, the RedHawks delivered a resounding victory, defeating SMU 89-79 in a First Four matchup at UD Arena. The win wasn’t just a tournament victory; it was a statement, silencing doubters who questioned the strength of their schedule and validating a historic season for the Mid-American Conference champions. Miami (Ohio) now advances to face No. 6 seed Tennessee in a first-round game Friday in Philadelphia.
The RedHawks entered the game as 6.5-point underdogs, according to ESPN, but played with a confidence that belied their seeding. Coach Travis Steele emphasized before the game that his team believed they were the better squad, and they executed accordingly. “This wasn’t an upset tonight, at all,” Steele said after the game. Miami’s offensive firepower, particularly from beyond the arc, proved too much for SMU to handle. The RedHawks made a tournament-game-record 16 three-pointers, and posted their highest scoring total in a tournament contest since 1958.
A Historic Run for the RedHawks
Miami (Ohio)’s journey to the NCAA Tournament was remarkable. Their 31-1 start to the season captured attention, but also sparked debate. The RedHawks hadn’t faced a team from a major conference during the regular season, leading some to question the validity of their record. The school itself acknowledged the scheduling challenges, stating that power conference teams were reluctant to play them. Despite the schedule concerns, Miami earned an at-large berth, becoming the first MAC team to do so since 1999, when a team led by All-American Wally Szczerbiak reached the Sweet 16.
The First Four game offered a chance to prove their worth on a national stage. And the RedHawks seized it. Eian Elmer led the way with 22 points, going 6-of-9 from three-point range. Brant Byers added 19 points, and Luke Skaljac contributed 17. The team’s willingness to shoot from distance was evident, with 10 made three-pointers in the first half alone, exceeding their total two-point field goals (9) during that span.
Crowd Support and a Unique Atmosphere
The atmosphere at UD Arena felt decidedly like a home game for Miami (Ohio). A large contingent of RedHawks fans, estimated by SMU coach Andy Enfield to be around 12,000, created a raucous environment. “That was a great crowd, a home game for Miami,” Enfield said. The support extended beyond the stands. The Miami men’s swimming and diving team, in a display of school spirit, famously sprinted down the aisle behind the SMU bench wearing only Speedos and caps, attempting to distract SMU’s Corey Washington during a free throw attempt – a tradition at their home court, Millett Hall.
“What really surprised me was the swim team, when they came out,” Miami forward Antwone Woolfolk said. “That was elite.” The antics added to the unique and energetic atmosphere, fueling the RedHawks’ performance.
Rebounding and a Relentless Attack
Despite being undersized, Miami (Ohio) held their own on the boards, finishing with an even 35 rebounds as SMU. They collected 12 offensive rebounds, creating second-chance opportunities and extending possessions. Star guard Peter Suder emphasized the team’s mindset, stating, “All the doubters that doubted us, all saying we don’t have Quad 1 wins, two wins, all that stuff, I don’t know what they’re going to say now. We proved the doubters wrong. To win by double digits against a really good team, athletically, physically talented players, it’s huge for this program.”
Steele challenged his team following their loss to UMass in the Mid-American Conference tournament quarterfinals, where they were outrebounded 41-24 and yielded 54 points in the paint. The RedHawks responded with a renewed focus on attacking the glass and playing with physicality. “We crashed the glass,” Woolfolk said. “We put pressure on the rim, instead of letting pressure receive put on us.”
Miami’s victory over SMU is more than just a win; it’s a validation of their season-long success and a testament to their belief in themselves. The RedHawks have earned the right to continue their tournament journey, and they’ll carry the momentum and support of their fans as they prepare to face Tennessee on Friday. The question now is: how far can this improbable run take them?
The RedHawks will face a tough test against Tennessee, a No. 6 seed, in Philadelphia. The game is scheduled for Friday, and will be a significant challenge for Miami as they attempt to continue their unexpected tournament run.
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