Miami (Ohio) Makes March Madness Statement with 89-79 Win Over SMU in First Four

Miami University of Ohio opened its NCAA tournament account with a resounding 89-79 victory over SMU in the First Four on Tuesday night, announcing itself as a program ready to make noise in March Madness. The RedHawks, playing in the First Four for the first time since the format expanded, controlled the tempo from the opening tip and never trailed after the midway point of the first half.

The win advances Miami (Ohio) into the main bracket of the 68-team field and sets up a second-round meeting with a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The RedHawks’ balanced scoring attack and disciplined defense proved too much for the Mustangs, who saw their season end in the opening round for the second consecutive year.

Miami (Ohio) shot efficiently throughout the contest, finishing at 54 percent from the floor and knocking down critical free throws down the stretch to preserve the double-digit margin. The victory marks the program’s first NCAA tournament win since 1999 and injects fresh momentum into a locker room that has embraced an underdog role all season.

With the 89-79 triumph, the RedHawks improve to 23-11 on the season and will now prepare for a quick turnaround as the tournament shifts into its next phase.