Miami (Ohio) Completes Historic Undefeated Regular Season in Thrilling OT Win Over Ohio
ATHENS, Ohio — Miami (Ohio) made history Friday night, becoming the only unbeaten team in Division I men’s basketball this season after a heart-stopping 110-108 overtime victory over Ohio. Led by Eian Elmer’s career-high 32 points and 12 rebounds, the RedHawks capped off a perfect 31-0 (18-0 Mid-American Conference) regular season, joining elite company as the first team since Gonzaga in 2021 to achieve the feat.
Despite their dominance, Miami’s NCAA Tournament hopes may hinge on winning the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament next week. Meanwhile, Ohio (15-16, 9-9) saw its season end on a three-game skid despite Jackson Paveletzke’s career-best 37-point explosion.
A Nail-Biting Finish in Athens
Miami’s undefeated run nearly came undone in a hostile road environment. The RedHawks had to overcome late-game drama, including a clutch five-point overtime performance from Peter Suder (13 points total).
With 26 seconds left in OT, Ohio’s Javan Simmons (30 points) put the Bobcats ahead 108-107 after a putback off a missed shot. But Suder responded with two clutch free throws, and Justin Kirby added another to seal the win. Paveletzke had two chances to win it for Ohio but missed a potential game-winning three at the buzzer.
Key Performances
- Eian Elmer (Miami): 32 PTS, 12 REB (career-high)
- Trey Perry (Miami): 21 PTS
- Brant Byers (Miami): 15 PTS
- Jackson Paveletzke (Ohio): 37 PTS (career-high)
- Javan Simmons (Ohio): 30 PTS
The Road to Perfection
Miami’s flawless season wasn’t without close calls. Over their last 12 games, the RedHawks survived:
- Four one-possession wins
- Two overtime thrillers
- A road win in Athens for the first time in 15 years
Their defensive resilience and clutch shooting kept them unbeaten, but skeptics argue their strength of schedule could hurt their NCAA Tournament seeding—or even leave them out entirely without a MAC Tournament title.
What’s Next for Miami and Ohio?
Miami’s MAC Tournament Outlook
As the No. 1 seed, Miami will open the MAC Tournament quarterfinals Thursday in Cleveland. A deep run—or better yet, a championship—would solidify their March Madness resume.
Ohio’s Season Ends on a Sour Note
The Bobcats finished 9-9 in conference play, and their postseason fate rests on the MAC Tournament seeding. Despite Paveletzke’s breakout performance, Ohio’s late-season struggles leave questions heading into the offseason.
Key Takeaways
- Miami (Ohio) finishes 31-0, the first undefeated regular season since Gonzaga in 2021.
- Eian Elmer’s 32-point, 12-rebound night led the RedHawks in a 110-108 OT thriller.
- Jackson Paveletzke (Ohio) dropped a career-high 37 points in a losing effort.
- Miami must win the MAC Tournament to guarantee an NCAA Tournament berth.
- The RedHawks open MAC Tournament play Thursday in Cleveland.
SEO Meta Description
Miami (Ohio) finishes historic 31-0 regular season with OT win over Ohio. Eian Elmer scores 32, but NCAA hopes may hinge on MAC Tournament success. (159 characters)
