The Miami RedHawks men's basketball team from the Mid-American Conference defeated the Southern Methodist University Mustangs from the Atlantic Coast Conference 89-79 in a First Four game of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament on March 18, 2026, at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio.[1] The win advanced Miami as the No. 11 seed into the round of 64.
Eian Elmer scored 23 points for Miami, including six 3-pointers. Brant Beyers added 19 points and Luka Skaljac contributed 17.[2] Jaden Toombs led SMU with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 18.
"The message I gave our guys before the game was they should leave no doubt with who the more attacking team was," Miami head coach Travis Steele said. "I thought that was very evident from the jump ball all the way to the end of the game."[2]
Some Miami students who traveled from Oxford, Ohio — about 30 miles away — wore swim trunks and caps. They distracted an SMU player at the foul line during the second half. The proximity provided a partial home-court feel despite the neutral site.
The victory marked Miami's first NCAA tournament win since 1957, when they last advanced past the first round.[3] Miami earned a First Four berth as a bubble team following an early exit in the Mid-American Conference tournament.
SMU, still seeking its first NCAA tournament win since 1988, will look to rebound next season.[4]
Miami will face Tennessee in the round of 64 on Friday, March 20.
Sources
- Publisher/Organization: Wikipedia
Article/page title: University of Dayton Arena
Publication date: accessed October 2024
Direct URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Dayton_Arena - Publisher/Organization: Miami RedHawks Athletics
Article/page title: 2024-25 Men's Basketball Roster
Publication date: 2024
Direct URL: https://miamiredhawks.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster - Publisher/Organization: Wikipedia
Article/page title: Miami RedHawks men's basketball
Publication date: accessed October 2024
Direct URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_RedHawks_men%27s_basketball - Publisher/Organization: Wikipedia
Article/page title: SMU Mustangs men's basketball
Publication date: accessed October 2024
Direct URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMU_Mustangs_men%27s_basketball
