The remarkable undefeated run of Miami (Ohio) RedHawks has finally come to an end. After completing a perfect 31-0 regular season, the RedHawks suffered their first loss of the year when UMass defeated them 87-83 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament quarterfinals.
The dramatic result not only knocked the top-seeded RedHawks out of the conference tournament but also ended the final undefeated record in college basketball this season.
UMass delivered a strong performance in the second half to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the conference tournament.
UMass Ends Miami’s Historic Winning Streak
Miami entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed and one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country. The RedHawks had dominated the MAC during the regular season, finishing 18-0 in conference play.
However, facing the Massachusetts Minutemen for the third time this season proved much tougher than expected.
UMass finally found a way to overcome Miami after losing the previous two meetings earlier in the year. The Minutemen played aggressively in the paint and controlled the boards, which helped them secure the narrow victory.
The loss dropped Miami’s record to 31-1, ending what had been a historic unbeaten campaign.
Match Result
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| UMass | 87 |
| Miami (Ohio) | 83 |
The game remained competitive throughout, with both teams trading leads during the final minutes.
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Key Performers
UMass forward Leonardo Bettiol delivered one of the best performances of the game, leading the Minutemen offense and helping spark their late comeback.
| Player | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Bettiol | UMass | 25 |
| Antwone Woolfolk | Miami (Ohio) | 13 |
| Peter Suder | Miami (Ohio) | Key scoring contribution |
Bettiol’s strong presence inside the paint helped UMass dominate rebounds and second-chance opportunities.
How the Game Unfolded
The contest started competitively with both teams trading baskets early in the first half. UMass initially gained momentum inside the paint, but Miami responded with strong perimeter shooting.
At halftime, the RedHawks held a 39-37 lead, showing signs that their unbeaten run might continue.
Miami extended its advantage to 11 points in the second half, appearing to be in control of the game. However, UMass refused to back down and began a powerful comeback.
The Minutemen launched a 13-2 run late in the game, tying the score and shifting momentum in their favor.
With less than a minute remaining, UMass scored the go-ahead basket and managed to hold off Miami’s final attempts to secure the upset victory.
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UMass Dominates Key Areas
Several key statistics helped UMass turn the game around.
| Statistic | UMass | Miami (Ohio) |
|---|---|---|
| Points in Paint | 54 | — |
| Offensive Rebounds | 17 | — |
| Total Score | 87 | 83 |
The Minutemen’s ability to dominate inside the paint and create second-chance opportunities proved to be the difference.
Miami’s Historic Season Still Stands Out
Even though the tournament ended earlier than expected, Miami’s season remains remarkable. The RedHawks became one of the rare teams in college basketball history to finish the regular season undefeated.
| Category | Miami (Ohio) Stats |
|---|---|
| Regular Season Record | 31-0 |
| MAC Record | 18-0 |
| Points Per Game | 90.9 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 52.6% |
| 3-Point Percentage | 39.3% |
The team ranked among the nation’s best in several offensive categories throughout the season.
NCAA Tournament Debate Begins
With the loss in the MAC tournament, attention now turns to Selection Sunday and whether Miami will receive an invitation to March Madness.
Despite finishing the regular season undefeated, questions remain about the strength of the RedHawks’ schedule. The defeat to UMass also complicates their tournament resume.
Still, a 31-1 record and a dominant regular season could keep them in the conversation for a place in the NCAA Tournament.
