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Miami University Secures NCAA Spot Amid Controversy

3/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Miami University (Ohio) earned a play-in spot in the NCAA Tournament despite losing in the MAC Tournament.
The RedHawks will face SMU in a No. 11 seed play-in game.
Critics, including former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl, argued Miami should have won its conference to qualify.
Auburn, with a 17-16 record, was left out of the tournament.
NCAA committee favored Miami and SMU over Auburn and Oklahoma, citing a weaker bubble.

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Story summary

Miami University (Ohio) earned a play-in spot in the NCAA Tournament despite losing in the MAC Tournament.
The RedHawks will face SMU in a No. 11 seed play-in game.
Critics, including former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl, argued Miami should have won its conference to qualify.
Auburn, with a 17-16 record, was left out of the tournament.
NCAA committee favored Miami and SMU over Auburn and Oklahoma, citing a weaker bubble.