Miami (OH) remains the nation’s only undefeated Division I men’s team, with 30 straight wins and a 17-0 record in the MAC. On Tuesday, they narrowly held off Toledo’s late rally for a 74-72 win.
Heading into the matchup with the Rockets, the Red Hawks had narrowly edged Western Michigan 69-67 to reach 29-0. Although their last two victories had been nervy, they maintained their streak and continued to earn respect from experts, including ESPN analyst Dick Vitale.
Dick Vitale Demands Miami (OH) Inclusion In 2026 NCAA Tournament
Building on this momentum, Vitale, a 2008 Hall of Fame inductee, used social media to advocate for the Red Hawks’ at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, even if they don’t win the MAC Tournament. He urged the Selection Committee to make the right call.
“Should not even be a debate about [30-0] @MiamiOH_BBall as to whether they should be part of @MarchMadnessMBB if they do not win the MAC tourney,” Vitale posted. “Metrics used to define who should qualify as at large teams is one sided & favors MEDIOCRITY from power conferences over EXCELLENCE by mid majors.”
Should not even be a debate about [30-0] @MiamiOH_BBall as to whether they should be part of @MarchMadnessMBB if they do not win the MAC tourney -metrics used to define who should qualify as at large teams is one sided & favors MEDIOCRITY from power conferences over EXCELLENCE…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 3, 2026
In addition to his comments on NCAA qualification, Vitale criticized elite schools for avoiding strong mid-majors in nonconference play, arguing that it preserves records while limiting mid-majors’ recognition.
“The problem is simply the big guys avoid giving them a chance unless they were a CUPCAKE. It is so tough to get games vs the elite conference schools,” Vitale, who made the tweet hours before the Miami (OH)-Toledo game, said.
Following Miami (OH)’s triumph over Toledo, Hoops HQ co-founder Seth Davis also weighed in on the team’s NCAA Tournament chances. He considered scenarios in which the team might lose its final MAC game at Ohio and the MAC Tournament, which provides an automatic bid.
“Tough last possession for Toledo. Miami (Ohio) survives,” Davis wrote. The dream is still alive. I believe this team is going to be in the NCAA Tournament even if it does not win another game. But I wouldn’t test my theory!”
Tough last possession for Toledo
Miami (Ohio) survives!
The dream is still alive
I believe this team is going to be in the NCAA Tournament even if it does not win another game
But I wouldn’t test my theory!
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 4, 2026
Looking back at their season before facing the Rockets, Travis Steele averaged 90.9 points per game, the second-highest in the nation, behind only Alabama. Their 52.7% field-goal percentage led all Division I teams, and they outscored their opponents by an average of 17 points per game.
During the game against Toledo, Miami (OH) shot 50% overall, including 37.5% from beyond the arc. However, the Red Hawks were outrebounded 35-31 and committed 15 turnovers, which the Rockets converted into 17 points.
Despite losing statistical battles in fast-break points (10-0), assists (14-12), steals (13-9), and inside points (48-26), Miami (OH) still managed to win. They now head to Ohio on March 6 to finish the regular season, aiming to complete an unbeaten run before the MAC and NCAA Tournaments.
The Red Hawks defeated the Bobcats in their first regular-season meeting at Oxford, 90-74, on Feb. 13. Brant Byers and Peter Suder combined for 41 points, leading the team’s offense in the win.
