Miami (Ohio) Ends 27-Year Drought with Landmark NCAA Tournament Victory Over SMU
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Miami University (Ohio) made history Wednesday night, securing its first NCAA Tournament win in 27 years with a thrilling 89-79 victory over Southern Methodist University (SMU) at Nationwide Arena. Led by standout guard Eian Elmer’s 23-point performance, the RedHawks showcased their resilience and skill, advancing to the Midwest Region’s next round where they’ll face No. 6 seed Tennessee on Friday in Philadelphia.
The 11th-seeded RedHawks (32-1), who went undefeated during the regular season, silenced skeptics with a dominant display against SMU. Elmer was instrumental, sinking six of nine three-point attempts, while teammates Brant Byers and Luke Skaljac added 19 and 17 points, respectively. Miami’s sharpshooting prowess was on full display as they connected on 16 of 41 attempts from beyond the arc.
“Our goal was to leave no doubt about who the more aggressive team was,” said Miami coach Travis Steele. “That mindset was evident from the opening tip until the final buzzer.”
SMU (20-14), making its first NCAA Tournament appearance in nine years, struggled to keep pace. Jaden Toombs led the Mustangs with 20 points and 11 rebounds, but the team’s 5-of-19 shooting from three-point range proved costly. Despite a size advantage, SMU’s 7-foot-2 center Samet Yigitoglu fouled out in the closing minutes, limiting their interior presence.
The RedHawks’ journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. After finishing the regular season 31-0—the only Division I team to do so this year—Miami stumbled in the MAC Tournament opener against UMass. The loss cast doubt on their NCAA Tournament hopes, given their weak strength of schedule (ranked 339th) and lack of Quadrant 1 wins. Yet, the selection committee granted them an at-large bid, and the RedHawks seized the opportunity to prove their mettle.
“We weren’t focused on proving we belong,” Elmer said. “Everyone in our locker room believes we do. We’re just out here playing hard and having fun.”
The game featured moments of brilliance, including a dazzling assist from Peter Suder, who bounced a pass across the paint to Elmer for a one-handed finish. “That’s some March magic,” Skaljac quipped afterward.
The victory also served as a statement for mid-major programs. Steele emphasized the challenges smaller schools face in earning respect and opportunities in the NCAA Tournament. “We had to be perfect all season just to get an at-large bid,” he said. “There are so many good teams out there that don’t get the same chances.”
The RedHawks enjoyed a significant home-court advantage with the game played in Dayton, less than 50 miles from their Oxford, Ohio campus. The crowd of over 12,000 fans roared with every bucket, creating an electric atmosphere. “It felt like a home game for Miami,” SMU coach Andy Enfield acknowledged.
Now, Miami sets its sights on Tennessee, a formidable opponent. But the RedHawks are brimming with confidence. “We know we belong,” Steele said. “The job isn’t finished. We want to keep advancing.”
For Miami fans and the college basketball world, Wednesday’s win was a reminder of the magic of March Madness—a stage where underdogs can shine and legacies are forged.
— Reported by Nexio News
