CLEVELAND – The dream season for Miami (Ohio) RedHawks came to a shocking conclude Thursday, as the No. 20 ranked team and the last remaining undefeated squad in NCAA Division I men’s basketball fell to UMass in the Mid-American Conference tournament quarterfinals. The Minutemen secured an 87-83 victory, dashing Miami’s hopes for an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and ending a remarkable 31-0 regular season.
The RedHawks, who had secured the No. 1 seed in the MAC tournament after their historic regular season, were unable to overcome a late rally by UMass. Miami (Ohio) had a 69-58 lead with 8:11 remaining, but the Minutemen responded with a 13-2 run, ultimately sealing the upset. This marks only the second time this century that a team with an undefeated regular season record has been eliminated in its conference tournament; St. Joseph’s suffered a similar fate in 2004, but still earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Despite the devastating loss, Miami (Ohio) coach Travis Steele remains optimistic about his team’s chances of reaching March Madness. “Our guys have earned the right, in my opinion, to play in the NCAA Tournament,” Steele said, according to the team’s official statement. “We always go back to watch the film. We’ll break it down just like we always do… [We’ll be] off tomorrow and back at it Saturday trying to figure out ways to get better.”
The RedHawks’ impressive run this season saw them become just the fifth NCAA Division I program this century to complete an undefeated regular season, the first since Gonzaga in 2020-21. However, the team had previously navigated several close contests, with eight games decided by just one possession during the regular season, including their last three games leading into the MAC tournament.
Daniel Hankins-Sanford of UMass made the game-winning layup with 29 seconds left, giving his team an 87-83 lead. A subsequent turnover by Miami’s Luke Skaljac and free throws from Marcus Banks extended the Minutemen’s advantage, effectively sealing the victory. Banks finished the game with 18 points, although Leonardo Bettiol led UMass with 25 points and Jayden Ndjigue added 16.
Bracketology Implications and At-Large Bid Hopes
The loss throws the NCAA tournament bracketology landscape into flux. While Miami (Ohio) will no longer receive the MAC’s automatic bid, analysts believe they still have a strong case for an at-large berth. CBS Sports’ latest projections, as of March 12, 2026, still include the RedHawks in the field, though their seed line has dropped from a potential No. 10 seed to a No. 11 seed according to CBS Sports.
This upset could also open the door for the Mid-American Conference to secure two bids to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999. With Miami (Ohio) out of contention for the automatic bid, No. 2 seed Akron is now considered the favorite to win the MAC tournament and claim the league’s automatic qualifier. Akron is currently projected as a No. 12 seed in CBS Sports’ bracketology.
UMass Advances, Miami Awaits Selection Sunday
UMass will advance to the semifinals of the MAC tournament, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Bowling Green and Toledo. Miami (Ohio) now faces an anxious wait until Selection Sunday, when the NCAA tournament bracket will be revealed. The RedHawks’ fate hinges on the decisions of the NCAA selection committee and their evaluation of Miami’s overall body of work.
The team’s coach, Travis Steele, believes his team has done enough to warrant consideration. “There’s still a lot of season left. Can we continue to improve? I think that’s what the great teams do,” he stated.
The outcome of this game underscores the unpredictable nature of March Madness and highlights the challenges of maintaining a perfect season. Miami (Ohio)’s journey, while ending in disappointment, was a remarkable one, and their fate now rests in the hands of the selection committee.
As the NCAA tournament picture becomes clearer, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if the RedHawks’ impressive regular season record will be enough to secure them a spot in the field of 68. Share your thoughts on Miami (Ohio)’s chances in the comments below.
