Miami (Ohio) Secures Historic NCAA Tournament Win Over SMU

On March 18, 2026, Miami (Ohio) achieved a significant milestone by defeating Southern Methodist University (SMU) 89-79 in the NCAA Tournament's First Four, marking the RedHawks' first tournament victory since 1999. The game took place at the University of Dayton Arena, just 40 miles from Miami's campus in Oxford, Ohio, allowing for a robust home-court advantage with a crowd of approximately 12,558 fans, many of whom were Miami supporters.

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Junior guard Eian Elmer led the RedHawks with 23 points, shooting 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. Brant Byers and Luke Skaljac contributed 19 and 17 points, respectively, as Miami made a total of 16 three-pointers out of 41 attempts, achieving a shooting percentage of 39%. The RedHawks built a commanding lead with a 15-1 run in the second half, overcoming a brief deficit when SMU led 49-48.

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Despite SMU's size advantage, highlighted by Jaden Toombs' 20 points and 11 rebounds, the Mustangs struggled to defend against Miami's perimeter shooting. SMU's senior guard B.J. Edwards was absent due to an ankle injury, which impacted their performance.

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Miami's journey to the tournament was fraught with skepticism, as they entered the NCAA field with a record of 31-1 but faced criticism for their weak schedule, which ranked 339th nationally. Head coach Travis Steele emphasized the need for perfection to secure an at-large bid, stating, "We had to basically be perfect in the whole regular season to get that at-large." The RedHawks' victory served to silence some of their doubters, with star guard Peter Suder asserting, "We proved the doubters wrong."

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Coach Steele expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "Our guys deserve to be in this position... I felt like we were the better team going into the game." He also highlighted the significance of their victory for mid-major programs, asserting that they can compete with larger conferences. Suder echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of proving their worth to themselves and their supporters.

First Four survivors eye more glory as history says underdogs don’t go quietly

With this victory, Miami (Ohio) advances to face the No. 6 seed Tennessee in the Round of 64 on March 20, 2026. The RedHawks aim to continue their momentum against a power conference opponent, further showcasing their capabilities on a national stage.

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Miami's triumph over SMU not only marks a historic moment for the program but also serves as a testament to the potential of mid-major teams in the NCAA Tournament. Their performance has reignited discussions about the value of competitive opportunities for teams outside of the power conferences, reinforcing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of March Madness.

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