Miami (Ohio) delivered an impressive performance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament First Four, defeating SMU 86-79 at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. The RedHawks controlled key stretches of the game and held off a strong second-half push from the Mustangs to secure a place in the first round of March Madness.
The victory was especially memorable for Miami guard Eian Elmer, who crossed the 1,000-point mark in his college career during a dominant first-half performance.
With the win, Miami (Ohio) now moves forward in the NCAA Tournament and will face No. 6 seed Tennessee in the opening round.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | NCAA Tournament 2026 – First Four |
| Venue | UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio |
| Final Score | Miami (Ohio) 86 – 79 SMU |
| Next Opponent | Tennessee |
| Key Player | Eian Elmer |
The First Four matchup between two No. 11 seeds turned into an exciting battle as both teams fought for a place in the main bracket.
Miami used strong perimeter shooting and disciplined offense to build an early advantage and maintain control late in the game.
Eian Elmer Reaches Major Career Milestone
One of the biggest moments of the night came from Miami guard Eian Elmer. The former Taft High School standout reached the 1,000-point milestone in his college career during the game.
Elmer had a powerful first half and played a major role in helping Miami build an early lead.
Elmer’s First-Half Performance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| First-half points | 14 |
| Three-point shooting | 4-of-6 |
| Career milestone | 1,000 points |
His hot shooting from beyond the arc energized the RedHawks and helped them establish control before halftime.
Miami Builds Early Lead with Strong Shooting
Miami’s offensive rhythm was clear early in the game. The RedHawks relied heavily on their three-point shooting and efficient ball movement.
By halftime, Miami had already created a solid advantage.
Halftime Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Miami (Ohio) | 43 |
| SMU | 34 |
The RedHawks hit 10 three-pointers in the first half and stretched the SMU defense repeatedly.
Players such as Luka Skaljac and Almar Atlason also contributed key scoring runs that pushed Miami ahead.
SMU Fights Back in Second Half
Despite trailing at halftime, SMU refused to give up and came out stronger in the second half.
The Mustangs began converting shots at a higher rate and gradually cut into Miami’s lead.
A key figure in the comeback attempt was Jaden Toombs, who provided strong scoring to bring SMU within one point at one stage.
However, Miami responded with timely shooting and regained momentum late in the game.
RedHawks Seal Victory Late
As the final minutes approached, Miami regained control with clutch shooting and strong defense.
Eian Elmer and his teammates knocked down crucial three-pointers to push the lead back to a comfortable margin.
By the final seconds, the RedHawks had secured the win and confirmed their place in the main NCAA tournament bracket.
Final Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Miami (Ohio) | 86 |
| SMU | 79 |
Key Players for Miami (Ohio)
Several RedHawks players made important contributions throughout the game.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Eian Elmer | Scored milestone 1,000th point |
| Luka Skaljac | Early scoring boost |
| Almar Atlason | Important second-half points |
| Peter Suder | Offensive leader for the team |
Miami’s balanced scoring helped the team withstand SMU’s second-half pressure.
Projected Starting Lineups
Miami (Ohio)
| Player |
|---|
| Antwone Woolfolk |
| Brant Byers |
| Peter Suder |
| Luka Skaljac |
| Eian Elmer |
SMU
| Player |
|---|
| Corey Washington |
| Samet Yigitoglu |
| Jaden Toombs |
| Boopie Miller |
| Jaron Pierre Jr. |
Both teams entered the game with strong guard play, which shaped the fast-paced offensive style seen throughout the matchup.
Miami’s Season Journey
Miami entered the NCAA Tournament after an extraordinary regular season campaign.
The RedHawks completed the regular season undefeated before suffering a conference tournament defeat. Despite that setback, the team earned an at-large bid and secured a place in March Madness.
The First Four victory now gives Miami another opportunity to prove itself on the national stage.
What Comes Next for Miami
With the First Four victory secured, the RedHawks now prepare for their next challenge.
| Next Match | Miami (Ohio) vs Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Round | NCAA Tournament – First Round |
| Date | March 20 |
| Stakes | Winner advances to Round of 32 |
Tennessee presents a tougher test, but Miami’s strong shooting and team chemistry could make the matchup competitive.
Miami (Ohio)’s victory over SMU marks an important moment in the team’s season. With a historic milestone from Eian Elmer and a strong offensive display, the RedHawks now move forward in March Madness with confidence and momentum.
