The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks are defying expectations, surviving two consecutive overtime thrillers to remain one of only three unbeaten teams in Division I. Their historic 20-0 start, the best in school history and the longest for any MAC program, is built on a culture of clutch performances and resilience that will be tested against a tough UMass squad.
For a team playing on the grand stage of a Top 25 ranking for the first time in 27 years, pressure is expected. What’s remarkable is how No. 24 Miami (Ohio) has not just handled it, but thrived in the most intense moments. The RedHawks (20-0, 8-0 MAC) have been pushed to the absolute brink in their last two games, only to answer the bell with game-winning plays that have cemented their status as one of the nation’s most compelling stories.
This isn’t just about being undefeated; it’s about how they’ve done it. Against Buffalo at home, Peter Suder hit a dramatic game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds of overtime. Then, on the road at Kent State, it was Luke Skaljac who forced overtime with a running bank shot with just six seconds left in regulation. These aren’t fluke victories; they are the signature moments of a team that has developed a “clutch gene.”
This perfect start is more than a personal best for the RedHawks; it’s a historic achievement for the entire Mid-American Conference. Their 20-game win streak is the best start to a season in school history and the longest for any MAC program, surpassing the legendary 19-0 start by Western Michigan in the 1975-76 season. They now stand alongside No. 1 Arizona and No. 7 Nebraska as the last remaining unbeaten teams in Division I, a fact that underscores the magnitude of their accomplishment.
The UMass Challenge: A Clash of Coaching Titans and Styles
Tuesday night’s matchup against UMass (13-8, 4-5 MAC) presents a fascinating tactical and personal battle. The game features two head coaches with a history of intense, physical, and hard-fought contests: Miami’s Travis Steele and UMass’s Frank Martin. Their paths famously crossed in the 2010 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, where Martin’s Kansas State squad defeated Steele’s Xavier team in double overtime in an “elite game,” as Steele recalled.
“His teams always play really, really, really hard, and they are physical,” Steele said of Martin. “They take on his personality, tough, nasty. They’re athletic. They try to turn you over.” This scouting report is crucial. UMass, coached by Martin, embodies that identity. The Minutemen are coming off a dramatic 68-67 win at Buffalo, fueled by guard Marcus Banks Jr.‘s 19 points and four 3-pointers and Leonardo Bettiol‘s 16 points. They are a team that has “bought in,” as forward Daniel Hankins-Sanford stated, and they thrive on making tough plays at the end of games—a direct parallel to Miami’s recent success.
Adapting on the Fly: The RedHawks’ Post-Ipsaro Resilience
A key factor in Miami’s ability to win close games has been their response to adversity. The loss of starting point guard Evan Ipsaro to a torn ACL on Dec. 20 could have derailed the season. Instead, it has forced a reshuffling that has revealed new stars. Luke Skaljac and Peter Suder have seamlessly stepped into larger roles, proving their mettle in the most high-pressure situations.
“I think Luke’s really settled in at the (point) very nicely,” Steele praised. “Peter Suder, obviously, has been a huge part of these past two games. He scores 37 or seven, he’s just playing to win, and he knows those moments when he needs to really, really elevate, and he’s more than capable of doing it.” This adaptability is the hallmark of a championship-caliber team, one that doesn’t rely on a single star but on a collective ability to rise to the occasion.
More Than Just Surviving: A High-Powered Offensive Juggernaut
While their recent games have been decided by single possessions, it’s important to note that Miami is not just a grinding, defensive team. They are an offensive powerhouse. The RedHawks have scored at least 100 points in their last three games and have reached the century mark seven times this season—the most in program history. Against Kent State, they shot a blistering 54.3% from the field, marking the 16th time this season they have shot 50% or better.
This combination of a high-octane offense and a newfound ability to win tight games makes Miami a uniquely dangerous team. They can outscore you or grind you down, depending on what the game demands. As they look to extend their historic run, every opponent will bring their best shot, fully aware that the RedHawks have already proven they can handle the heat.
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