Miami Ohio Anxiously Awaits Selection Sunday After Losing Perfect Record
After an impressive 362 days without a loss, the Miami RedHawks men’s basketball team faced a disappointing defeat that has left fans anxious about their NCAA Tournament hopes. The RedHawks’ 31-game winning streak came to a halt with an 87-83 loss to the University of Massachusetts in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) quarterfinals.
Miami’s Historic Season
Ranked 20th nationally, Miami became only the 21st team in NCAA Division I men’s basketball to finish the regular season undefeated. The last team from the MAC to secure an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament was the 1999 RedHawks, which featured NBA star Wally Szczerbiak.
Coach’s Confidence Amidst Challenges
Head Coach Travis Steele remained optimistic despite the setback. He expressed surprise if Miami didn’t make the tournament, highlighting that the team earned its position. Steele recognized the unique challenges they face, especially concerning their strength of schedule rating, which sits at 344th out of 365 teams.
Impact of the Loss
The RedHawks’ defeat has sparked concerns regarding their NCAA Tournament eligibility. In the past, a pristine record would typically guarantee a March Madness spot. However, Miami’s trailing performance in schedule strength raises questions. The team will anxiously await the selection show scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
Game Recap
- Miami held a lead of 11 points in the second half.
- UMass mounted a comeback, scoring an 11-2 run to tie the game.
- Leonardo Bettiol led UMass with 25 points, while Brant Byers scored 17 for Miami.
- Miami was out-rebounded, generating just 24 boards compared to UMass’s 41.
A Long Wait Ahead
In the locker room post-game, players experienced a mix of emotions. This marked the first time they had to cope with defeat after a historic season. Leading scorer Peter Suder emphasized the importance of recognizing their successful journey despite the loss.
The RedHawks’ wait for Selection Sunday has begun. They hope to see their name in the bracket while reflecting on a season filled with remarkable achievements. As guard Trey Perry succinctly stated, “It’s out of our control now, gotta see what happens on Sunday.”
