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Miami's Perfect Season Shattered by UMass in Quarterfinals

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Miami (OH) RedHawks' perfect season ended with an 87-83 loss to UMass in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals.
Miami led by double digits before UMass rallied.
The loss raises questions about Miami's NCAA Tournament bid despite a 31-1 record.
UMass advances to the semifinals.
Analysts warn the undefeated regular season could be overlooked due to a lack of challenging opponents.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA Tournament expanded in 1979, increasing the number of competing teams and raising the stakes for programs like Miami (OH), which boasted a 31-1 record. This change intensified debates over selection criteria, echoing past instances where strong teams were overlooked due to weak schedules. UMass, with its 1996 Atlantic 10 Championship, exemplifies the challenges faced by teams navigating these competitive dynamics.

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Story summary

Miami (OH) RedHawks' perfect season ended with an 87-83 loss to UMass in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals.
Miami led by double digits before UMass rallied.
The loss raises questions about Miami's NCAA Tournament bid despite a 31-1 record.
UMass advances to the semifinals.
Analysts warn the undefeated regular season could be overlooked due to a lack of challenging opponents.

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