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Miami's NCAA Bid in Jeopardy After UMass Loss

3/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Miami (Ohio) faces uncertainty about its NCAA Tournament bid after an 87-83 loss to UMass in the MAC Tournament.
Despite a 31-0 regular season, the 296th-ranked schedule raises questions about their résumé.
Analysts estimate a 75 percent chance to make the tournament, with a projected No. 10 or 11 seed.
Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher, MAC commissioner, says Miami deserves a spot, while critics warn quality opponents could hurt its bid.

History

Historical Context

In 1979, the NCAA faced criticism over its tournament selection process when the University of Kentucky, despite a strong 26-2 record, was excluded. This controversy echoes today's uncertainty for Miami (Ohio), which boasts a perfect 31-0 record yet questions remain about their opponents' quality. Such debates underscore the complexities of fair tournament selection and its impact on teams' futures.

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Story summary

Miami (Ohio) faces uncertainty about its NCAA Tournament bid after an 87-83 loss to UMass in the MAC Tournament.
Despite a 31-0 regular season, the 296th-ranked schedule raises questions about their résumé.
Analysts estimate a 75 percent chance to make the tournament, with a projected No. 10 or 11 seed.
Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher, MAC commissioner, says Miami deserves a spot, while critics warn quality opponents could hurt its bid.

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