The Miami (OH) RedHawks, who went 31-0 during the regular season but lost their first game in the MAC conference tournament, were one of the most scrutinized teams after receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, despite not having any Quad 1 or Quad 2 wins.
However, playing in a First Four game in Dayton on Wednesday night against the SMU Mustangs, they proved they belong, winning 89-79 to advance to the Round of 64.
After the victory, head coach Travis Steele, who has overseen the program’s impressive resurgence since taking over three years ago, issued a clear warning to the rest of the field, making it known that the RedHawks can make a deep run in March Madness.
“Oh, we more than belong,” Steele said, with his entire team behind him. “We can advance deep into this tournament. Our group’s fully confident in that.”
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The RedHawks have maintained the same style of play all season, and it’s a simple one. They don’t run set plays offensively, they play with pace, and they always have several players on the court who can shoot from beyond the arc — a strategy that was on full display in their victory over SMU.
They attempted 41 three-pointers, setting a First Four record, and made 16 of them. Four players scored in double figures, with Eiam Elmer leading the way with 23 points, shooting 6-for-9 from three-point range.
Outside of Elmer, Luke Skajac certainly made a name for himself, recording 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Brant Byers added 19 points and four rebounds.
The RedHawks will now face a quick turnaround, playing on Friday at 4:25 p.m. EST against the No. 6 seed Tennessee Volunteers in Philadelphia at the Xfinity Mobile Center.
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