The End of an Era: Miami’s Perfect Run Collapses

Miami (Ohio) entered the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament with a pristine 31-0 record, the last remaining undefeated team in Division I men’s basketball. Their journey, marked by close calls and comebacks, culminated in a stunning 87-83 loss to the eighth-seeded UMass Minutemen on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Cleveland’s Rocket Arena.

The RedHawks, led by head coach Travis Steele, had already secured an 18-0 record in MAC play. However, their inability to close out the game against UMass has now cast doubt on their NCAA Tournament prospects.

Second-Chance Points Propel UMass to Victory

UMass’s victory wasn’t a result of flawless shooting, but rather relentless effort on the offensive glass. The Minutemen secured 17 offensive rebounds, converting those opportunities into 23 crucial second-chance points. This proved to be the difference in a game that featured 12 lead changes and 10 ties.

Trailing 69-58 with just over eight minutes remaining, UMass mounted a furious comeback. Key contributions from Jayden Ndjigue, who finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, and Leonardo Bettiol, who led all scorers with 25 points, fueled the Minutemen’s charge.

NCAA Tournament Implications: Will Miami Still Dance?

The loss eliminates Miami (Ohio)’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The question now becomes whether the RedHawks can secure an at-large berth. Despite their impressive record, Miami is ranked outside the top 70 in adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. However, they remain a top 40 team in the “Wins Above Bubble” metric, according to BartTorvik.

Oddsmakers are skeptical of Miami’s chances in the tournament, giving them 1,000-1 odds to win it all, according to BetMGM. The RedHawks haven’t reached the NCAA Tournament since 2007, adding to the pressure.

Key Moments Down the Stretch

With the game tied at 81-81 in the final minute, a layup from UMass forward Daniel Hankins-Sanford and a subsequent turnover by Miami’s Luke Skaljac proved decisive. Despite a late attempt to close the gap, UMass held on to secure the 87-83 victory.

Marcus Banks Jr. Contributed 18 points for UMass, sealing the win with clutch free throws in the closing seconds.

FAQ

• What was Miami (Ohio)’s record before the loss? 31-0
• Who won the game between UMass and Miami (Ohio)? UMass won 87-83.
• What tournament were they playing in? The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament.
• What is the impact of this loss on Miami (Ohio)’s NCAA Tournament chances? Their automatic bid is gone, and their at-large bid is now uncertain.

Pro Tip: Retain an eye on the NCAA Selection Show to see if Miami (Ohio) receives an at-large bid. Their fate will likely come down to the committee’s evaluation of their strength of schedule and overall performance.