DAYTON, Ohio, March 18, 2026 - The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks defeated Southern Methodist University (SMU) 89-79 in a First Four game of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament at University of Dayton Arena, which has hosted the opening games since the format began in 2011.[2] The win advances Miami into the round of 64 as the No. 11 seed, where they will face Tennessee on Friday, March 20.

The victory marked the first NCAA tournament win in program history for the RedHawks, a Mid-American Conference (MAC) team with 15 prior appearances and an 0-15 record.[1] Miami, based in Oxford, Ohio, traveled roughly 25 miles to the venue.

Eian Elmer scored 23 points for Miami, including six 3-pointers. Brant Beyers added 19 points and Luke Skalijac contributed 17.

RedHawks coach Travis Steele, hired by Miami on March 18, 2024,[3] said: "The message I gave our guys before the game was they should leave no doubt with who the more attacking team was. I thought that was very evident from the jump ball all the way to the end of the game."

Some Miami students who traveled to Dayton wore swim trunks and caps, distracting an SMU player at the foul line during the second half.

SMU's Jaden Toombs recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jaron Pierre Jr., who transferred to SMU ahead of the 2024-25 season,[4] added 18 points. The loss extends SMU's drought without an NCAA tournament victory since 1988.[5]

Eian Elmer said: "We’re not really focused on proving whether we belong, honestly. Everybody in the locker room thinks we do. I just think if anything we’re just going to go out there, play our hardest and have fun."

Sources

1. Wikipedia. "Miami RedHawks men's basketball". Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_RedHawks_men%27s_basketball
2. Wikipedia. "University of Dayton Arena". Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Dayton_Arena
3. Miami University Athletics. "Travis Steele Named Miami Men's Basketball Head Coach". March 18, 2024. https://miamiredhawks.com/news/2024/3/18/mens-basketball-travis-steele-named-miami-mens-basketball-head-coach.aspx
4. ESPN. "Jaron Pierre Jr. transfers to SMU Mustangs". April 25, 2024. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/40012345/jaron-pierre-jr-transfers-smu-mustangs
5. Wikipedia. "SMU Mustangs men's basketball". Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMU_Mustangs_men%27s_basketball