Jay Bilas Ranks Miami RedHawks and Akron Zips in NCAA Tournament Contention

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas has recognized the Miami RedHawks and Akron Zips in his Bilas Index, which ranks the top 68 NCAA men’s basketball teams. As the NCAA Tournament approaches, Bilas placed the Miami RedHawks at No. 26 and the Akron Zips at No. 51. This acknowledgment highlights the competitive landscape of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), where both teams are vying for postseason success.

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The Miami RedHawks have achieved an impressive record of 26-0, marking the first time in program history they have reached 13-0 in conference play. Their recent victory over the UMass Minutemen on February 17 solidified their standing. Bilas noted that while he initially viewed the RedHawks as a mid-40s team, their undefeated status warranted a higher ranking. Coached by Travis Steele, Miami's remaining schedule includes matches against Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Toledo, Ohio, and Eastern Michigan, with a favorable combined record of 62-71.

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The Akron Zips, under head coach John Groce, hold a record of 21-5 (12-1 in the MAC). Despite not being undefeated, they have maintained a strong performance, including a narrow loss to Miami earlier in the season. Bilas acknowledged the Zips' longer home winning streak of 29 games, which surpasses that of the RedHawks. Key player Tavari Johnson leads the team with an average of 20.5 points and 5.2 assists per game.

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The Zips are set to face Ball State, Buffalo, Kent, Central Michigan, and Northern Illinois, with a combined record of 60-70. Notably, Kent State, boasting a 20-7 record, poses a significant challenge. If both Miami and Akron navigate their respective schedules successfully, they could meet in the MAC Tournament championship game, reminiscent of last year's thrilling final where the Zips triumphed over the RedHawks with a buzzer-beater.

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The MAC typically receives only one bid to the NCAA Tournament, which adds pressure to the upcoming conference championship. The last team to secure an at-large bid from the MAC was the Miami RedHawks. As the MAC Tournament is scheduled for March 12-14 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, the stakes are high for both teams, with the potential for one to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament while the other may be left out.

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• “But, winning matters, especially when there is a goose egg on the right side of the record.” — Jay Bilas, ESPN Analyst

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• “Though they're being outshined in the MAC by a still undefeated Miami (Ohio), the preseason conference favorite Zips are still putting together a good season,” — Jay Bilas, ESPN Analyst

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As the MAC season progresses, the Miami RedHawks and Akron Zips are positioned as key contenders for the NCAA Tournament. With both teams showcasing strong performances, the upcoming MAC Tournament could prove pivotal in determining their postseason fates.

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