Miami Ohio First Four Win 89 - 79 Over SMU Sends RedHawks to NCAA Tournament Round of 64

DAYTON, Ohio — Miami RedHawks men's basketball delivered a breaking update performance in March Madness, defeating the SMU Mustangs men's basketball 89 - 79 in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament First Four for the program’s first tournament win in 27 years.

Eian Elmer led Miami with 22 points, shooting 6 of 9 from three point range and setting the tone offensively as the RedHawks advanced in the Midwest Region. The victory moves Miami forward to face the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball in the Round of 64, marking a significant milestone in the program’s postseason timeline.

The RedHawks entered the tournament as an 11 seed with a 32 - 1 record, having gone unbeaten during the regular season. Their performance against SMU reinforced their offensive identity, finishing 16 of 41 from beyond the arc and consistently creating spacing advantages throughout the game.

Brant Byers added 19 points, including four three point shots, while Luke Skaljac contributed 17 points. Miami’s perimeter efficiency proved decisive, with multiple scoring runs built around quick ball movement and transition shooting.

SMU remained competitive behind Jaden Toombs, who recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Jaron Pierre Jr., who added 18 points. Boopie Miller finished with 15 points as the Mustangs attempted to keep pace with Miami’s scoring output.

The latest impact of the result centers on Miami’s return to national relevance. The program had not recorded an NCAA Tournament victory since 1999, and this win signals a potential shift as the RedHawks transition from a strong mid major season into a deeper postseason opportunity.

From a performance standpoint, Miami’s reliance on three point shooting aligns with broader tournament trends, where perimeter efficiency often determines early round outcomes. Their 16 made three point shots rank among the higher totals in First Four history, highlighting a scalable offensive approach heading into the next round.

What this means for the bracket is immediate. Miami advances to face Tennessee, a team known for defensive pressure and half court discipline. The matchup will test whether Miami’s high volume perimeter shooting can remain effective against a top tier defensive unit.

For SMU, the loss concludes a 20 - 14 season in which the Mustangs showed flashes of offensive balance but struggled to contain Miami’s shooting in key stretches.

The next steps for Miami will focus on recovery and preparation within a condensed tournament schedule. With momentum from a historic win and a 32 - 1 record, the

RedHawks enter the Round of 64 with one of the strongest statistical profiles among double digit seeds, positioning them as a potential disruptor in the Midwest Region.