Miami Ohio Basketball Finishes Perfect Regular Season With Win Over Ohio Bobcats
Miami Ohio Basketball delivered one of the most remarkable regular seasons in college basketball history on March 6, 2026. The Miami RedHawks defeated the Ohio Bobcats 110-108 in overtime at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio. That dramatic win completed a flawless 31-0 regular season record.
The achievement places Miami among only 21 programs in NCAA history to finish a regular season undefeated. It is the first such accomplishment since Gonzaga in the 2020-21 season. Miami Ohio Basketball also became the first team from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to complete a perfect regular season.
The victory carried extra significance because Miami had lost 14 straight games in Athens before this matchup. Their previous win at the Convocation Center came in a triple-overtime game in 2011. Now ranked No. 19 nationally, the RedHawks enter the MAC tournament with momentum, confidence, and historic expectations.
Historic Season for Miami Ohio Basketball
A Perfect 31-0 Regular Season
Miami Ohio Basketball built its perfect record through consistency, defense, and balanced scoring throughout the season. The RedHawks secured their MAC regular-season championship on March 3, 2026, with a narrow 74-72 win over Toledo.
That victory marked the program’s first MAC regular-season title since 2005. The return of starting point guard Luke Skaljac from a wrist injury also strengthened the roster late in the season.
Head coach Travis Steele guided Miami through a schedule filled with conference challenges and pressure games. The team responded with discipline and late-game composure. By the time they faced Ohio for the regular-season finale, the RedHawks already carried national attention and historic expectations.
Overtime Thriller Against the Ohio Bobcats
Suder’s Free Throws Seal the Win
The Miami Ohio Basketball finale turned into a dramatic overtime battle. Miami led by as many as 10 points during the second half. However, Ohio rallied behind an aggressive offense and strong free-throw shooting.
The Bobcats tied the game 100-100 with 35.3 seconds remaining in regulation on a Javan Simmons layup. That forced overtime and intensified the atmosphere inside the Convocation Center.
Senior captain Peter Suder delivered the decisive moment. He made two clutch free throws with 4.7 seconds left in overtime, putting Miami ahead 109-108. Suder then added another free throw to extend the lead to 110-108. Ohio’s Jackson Paveletzke missed a final shot at the buzzer, securing Miami’s perfect season.
Key Player Performances
Elmer and Perry Provide Offensive Spark
Several players fueled the Miami Ohio Basketball victory in Athens. Forward Eian Elmer led the offense by scoring more than 20 points and controlling the pace inside the paint. Freshman guard Trey Perry added crucial scoring in both halves.
Ohio received strong early contributions from Jackson Paveletzke and Javan Simmons. Paveletzke scored 14 first-half points, while Simmons added 11 before halftime.
The matchup remained physical throughout the night. Miami received three technical fouls, including one on Brant Byers and others on Peter Suder and Antwone Woolfolk. Woolfolk eventually fouled out during overtime, forcing Miami to adjust its rotation late in the game.
Miami Ohio Basketball Season Milestones
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Final Score vs Ohio | Miami 110, Ohio 108 (OT) |
| Regular Season Record | 31-0 |
| National Ranking | No. 19 |
| NCAA Historical Rank | 21st team with perfect regular season |
| MAC Achievement | First MAC team with undefeated regular season |
| MAC Title Clinched | First MAC team with an undefeated regular season |
What Comes Next: MAC Tournament and NCAA Debate
Miami Ohio Basketball now shifts focus to the MAC tournament scheduled for March 12-14. The RedHawks secured the No. 1 overall seed after clinching the conference title earlier in the week.
Despite their 31-0 record, national bracket projections still place Miami around an 11-seed in the NCAA tournament. ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi noted the unusual situation surrounding the team’s résumé.
