Miami Ohio wins their first NCAA tourney game since 1999

Dayton, OH 3/18/26

                The Miami Redhawks (32-1) stunned the SMU Mustangs (20-14) 89-79 at UD Arena in an NCAA men’s tournament first four game. In what officially was a neutral court game, Miami had the home court advantage being only an hour away from their campus. Eian Elmer and Brant Byers scored 23 and 19 points respectively and combined for 10-19 three point shooting as the Redhawks shot an astounding 16-41 from deep.   SMU were led by Jaden Tombs 20 points with Jaron Pierre Jr. adding 18 in a tough loss for the ACC team. With pundits questioning Miami’s tournament credentials even though they won the MAC’s regular season title going 18-0 in conference play a tough 87-83 quarterfinal loss in the conference tournament to 8th seeded UMASS created unwarranted doubts. That loss however opened the door for the Mid-American Conference to get two teams in the tournament. Akron’s last second victory over upset minded Toledo 79-76 in the final has the conference well represented. Miami moves on the play the 6th seeded Tennessee Vols on 3/20 while Akron battles 5th seeded Texas Tech.