UMass Stuns No. 20 Miami (Ohio), Ends Perfect Season in MAC Quarterfinals

Emerson Raymont

Published: March 12, 2026 3:03 PM ET

UMass Stuns No. 20 Miami (Ohio), Ends Perfect Season in MAC Quarterfinals

UMass delivered a shocking upset by defeating No. 20 Miami (Ohio) in the MAC tournament quarterfinals. The final score was 87-83, ending the RedHawks’ perfect season.

Game Overview

The match took place at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena, where Miami entered as a 6.5-point favorite after an incredible regular season. The RedHawks finished the regular season with a record of 31-0, including 18-0 in MAC play, under head coach Travis Steele.

Key Players

Jayden Ndjigue: 16 points, 8 rebounds
Leonardo Bettiol: 25 points
Marcus Banks Jr.: 18 points
Peter Sudar: MAC Player of the Year

Game Highlights

Despite trailing by 11 points with just over eight minutes left, UMass mounted a comeback. The Minutemen secured 17 offensive rebounds, resulting in 23 second-chance points. Ndjigue’s contributions were crucial, as he helped tie the game at 71-71 with a series of timely baskets.

The match featured a nail-biting 12 lead changes and 10 ties. Notably, UMass executed well during the closing moments, with Daniel Hankins-Sanford scoring pivotal points to seal their victory.

Miami’s Defense Struggles

Miami struggled defensively, particularly on the glass. Their inability to secure rebounds allowed UMass to control the tempo and dictate the game. This poor performance on the defensive end overshadowed their undefeated regular season.

NCAA Tournament Implications

With this loss, Miami’s chances of securing an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament are now uncertain. The debate continues about their potential as an at-large team, with odds of 1,000-1 for winning the NCAA tournament, according to BetMGM. This is a stark contrast to their previous season, as the RedHawks last participated in the NCAA tournament in 2007.

Conclusion

The defeat marks a significant moment for UMass basketball, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As the tournament unfolds, Miami now faces anxious days ahead, awaiting their fate amidst a turbulent postseason period.