The NCAA tournament swung into full effect last night. After the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks defeated SMU in the First Four game, the collective antennae of the college basketball world perked.
With dramatic moments being an essential part of the process, expecting the unexpected became the mantra. Journalists took to social media to share their opinions on the MAC program.
Social Media Reactions to the Miami RedHawks Advancing in the NCAA Tournament
Miami kicked off its NCAA tournament by not only surviving the opening round but also advancing comfortably to Friday after defeating SMU, 89-79. Social media exploded with fast-and-furious comments about the RedHawks and how far they can go. By and large, many want to see the underdog defeat the bigger school.
Statistically, last night’s game fits within head coach Travis Steele’s gameplan. The RedHawks occupy the No. 8 spot in Division I with a 39.2% clip from behind the 3-point line.
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Three of their starters connect on 39% of their shots from behind the arc. Making 3-pointers is a focal point. Every time it looked like SMU would make headway, Miami kept making shots and did not look nervous as the game entered crunch time.
“FINAL: Miami (Ohio) 89, SMU 79
32-1.
Just a remarkable volume shooting effort: 16-for-41. Outscored SMU by 33 points – 33! – from beyond the arc.
MIAMI. MADNESS. MARCHING ON.”
FINAL: Miami (Ohio) 89, SMU 79
32-1.
Just a remarkable volume shooting effort: 16-for-41. Outscored SMU by 33 points — 33! — from beyond the arc.
MIAMI. MADNESS. MARCHING ON.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 19, 2026
CBS analyst Bruce Pearl stated that Miami did not belong in the tournament. He cited the strength of their schedule.
Pearl, the former Auburn head coach, drew criticism for his commentary, even from the Miami athletic director. Pearl was not alone in his criticisms.
“They never have to listen to people say they didn’t belong, ever again.”
What a night for the Miami RedHawks.
Tennessee is up next.”
“They never have to listen to people say they didn’t belong — ever again.”
What a night for the Miami RedHawks.
Tennessee is up next.pic.twitter.com/OSGxmriuCH
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) March 19, 2026
Every year, March Madness appears to bring forth one or two teams that defy expectations, disrupt brackets, and secure a few victories in the tournament. Forty-one years ago, a 10-loss Villanova team won the national championship over heavily favored Georgetown. In recent memory, Butler made it all the way to the final in 2010, falling to Duke, 61-59.
“Cinderella isn’t dead.”
Cinderella isn’t dead.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 19, 2026
The criticism stems from playing in the Mid-American Conference, which is perceived as a middle-of-the-road conference by fans and media. Then, the focus shifted to SMU quickly dispatching the RedHawks. Meanwhile, Steele’s team keeps winning.
MARCH MADNESS: Fill In Your Bracket Now!
“It’s just laughable how “Miami can’t beat HMs, shouldn’t be in the tourney” to “SMU will crush to them” to “oh who cares SMU sucks. Time to admit the Miami of Ohio RedHawks are a damn good basketball team. One of the most fun teams to watch in the country.”
It’s just laughable how “Miami can’t beat HMs, shouldn’t be in the tourney” to “SMU will crush to them” to “oh who cares SMU sucks”
Time to admit the Miami of Ohio RedHawks are a damn good basketball team. One of the most fun teams to watch in the country
— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) March 19, 2026
Miami’s starters connected on 13-of-30 3-pointers. In contrast, SMU starters made 4-of-16. Steele teaches the concept of volume shooting and displays confidence in his approach, even after missed shots.
“Brother these Miami OH boys are raining HELL out here.”
Brother these Miami OH boys are raining HELL out here
Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) March 19, 2026
“Feels like a scene of Hoosiers. this is for all the little schools that never got a chance to be here. Miami of Ohio played like a giant, defeating SMU, 89-79, to advance to the main bracket with a game against Tennessee Friday in Philly. let’s celebrate a fun night of basketball by a fundamentally sound team that can play multiple styles”
This refers to the 1986 film “Hoosiers,” which tells the story of the fictional Hickory (Ind.) High School’s improbable run to a state championship, despite being a small rural farmland school.
Moreover, the reference alludes to the RedHawks’ execution across various aspects of the game. While they can make 3-pointers, they also led the nation in field goal percentage (.524).
feels like a scene of Hoosiers. this is for all the little schools that never got a chance to be here. Miami of Ohio played like a giant, defeating SMU, 89-79 , to advance to the main bracket with a game against Tennessee Friday in Philly. let’s celebrate a fun night of…
— Dick Weiss (@HoopsWeiss) March 19, 2026
Over the past few seasons, mid-major teams felt they had to impress the selection committee, while larger schools with worse records have had an easier time gaining an at-large bid. On a positive note, the MAC will receive a hefty paycheck for Miami’s efforts.
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“We live in a world where the non-high major has to “validate” that they belong & when they don’t, they get criticized for being included. Miami’s showing they didn’t belong – in the First Four. Deserved to be playing for first time Thursday or Friday. All good: MAC makes more $!”
We live in a world where the non high major has to “validate” that they belong & when they don’t, they get criticized for being included.
Miami’s showing they didn’t belong — in the First Four. Deserved to be playing for first time Thursday or Friday. All good: MAC makes more $!
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 19, 2026
Friday at 4:25 p.m. ET, Steele’s team will face the University of Tennessee. TBS will have the coverage live from Philadelphia. While Tennessee will be favored to win, if Miami can play the way they did against the Mustangs, the metaphorical glass slipper will fit for another day.
