Miami (OH) Completes Undefeated Season with OT Win Over Ohio | NCAA Basketball
ATHENS, Ohio – Miami (Ohio) completed a historic regular season, finishing as the only unbeaten team in Division I men’s basketball with a thrilling overtime victory over Ohio, 110-108. The RedHawks’ path to perfection wasn’t without its challenges, but Eian Elmer’s career night, coupled with clutch performances from his teammates, secured the milestone win.
Elmer, a guard for Miami (Ohio), led all scorers with a remarkable 32 points and 12 rebounds. His performance was pivotal in a game that saw both teams trade blows throughout, ultimately requiring an extra five minutes to determine a winner. The victory caps off a regular season for the RedHawks that will be remembered as one of the most dominant in recent college basketball history.
The win also secured Miami (Ohio) the Mid-American Conference (MAC) title, surpassing Akron in the standings. However, despite the unblemished record of 31-0 overall and 18-0 in conference play, a tournament championship is likely necessary for an NCAA tournament berth. The RedHawks join elite company, becoming only the third team in Division I history to enter a conference tournament with a perfect record, alongside the 2013-14 Wichita State Shockers and the 2014-15 Kentucky Wildcats.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing the offensive firepower of both teams. Ohio, despite a losing streak heading into the contest, proved to be a formidable opponent, particularly behind the stellar performance of Jackson Paveletzke, who poured in a career-high 37 points. Javan Simmons added 30 points, and Aidan Hadaway contributed 20 for the Bobcats.
Miami (Ohio) wasn’t solely reliant on Elmer’s scoring. Peter Suder chipped in with 13 points, including five crucial points in overtime. Trey Perry added 21 points, and Brant Byers finished with 15, demonstrating the RedHawks’ balanced offensive attack.
The final minutes of overtime were particularly dramatic. After Simmons’ basket gave Ohio a late lead, 108-107, Miami responded with free throws from Suder to regain the advantage. A key defensive play by Justin Kirby and a missed shot by Paveletzke at the buzzer sealed the victory for the RedHawks. Paveletzke’s final attempt, a three-pointer, narrowly missed, preserving Miami’s perfect record.
Miami (Ohio)’s journey to an unblemished regular season hasn’t been without its tense moments. The team navigated a challenging stretch in their previous twelve games, winning four contests by a single possession and two more in overtime. This resilience, their ability to close out tight games, has been a hallmark of their success. Their first win in Athens in fifteen years underscores the significance of this victory.
The RedHawks’ success is a testament to their overall team play and their ability to overcome adversity. While the regular season has concluded in spectacular fashion, the real test lies ahead in the MAC tournament. The pressure to maintain their perfect record and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament will undoubtedly be immense. However, with a core group of talented players and a coach who has instilled a winning mentality, Miami (Ohio) is well-positioned to produce a deep run in March.
Ohio, despite the loss, showcased its own offensive capabilities. Paveletzke’s career performance and the contributions of Simmons and Hadaway demonstrated the Bobcats’ potential. However, a three-game losing streak to finish the regular season leaves them with a record of 15-16 and 9-9 in conference play. Their tournament hopes now hinge on a strong showing in the MAC tournament.
As Miami (Ohio) prepares for the conference tournament, the nation will be watching to see if they can continue their remarkable run. The RedHawks have already etched their names in college basketball history, but their ultimate goal remains within reach: a national championship. The road ahead will be challenging, but with Elmer leading the charge and a supporting cast that has proven its mettle, Miami (Ohio) is ready to embrace the pressure and pursue their championship dreams.