One mid-major program is doing what no one else in the country has done this season — stay perfect. Miami OH has taken the world by storm by being the only team left. The RedHawks are currently 24-0 and 11-0 in the MAC. This is pine of the best starts in program history and has pushed them into the national rankings.
Last year, Miami finished the year 25-9 and 14-4 in MAC play, tying the school record for most wins and setting a home win streak record. The season ended with a run to the MAC championship, which was the first appearance since 2007. This undefeated year reflects continuous improvement under fourth-year head coach Travis Steele. Steele’s system emphasizes pace, spacing, and shot selection, which has helped Miami become one of the highest scoring offenses in the nation.
This team is pretty much the same as last year with 10 returning players. In the transfer portal ear, keeping a many returning contributors is unusual and gives Miami a chemistry advantage that many programs struggle with. They also added 7 new players with Almar Atlason from Bradley headlining the group. Peter Suder is one of the the returning players from last season’s team who has made the jump, leading the team in points with 14.8 this season. His scoring jump has given Miami a reliable go-to option late in games.
The RedHawks aren’t just bullying the lower teams of the MAC this year. They are averaging 92.7 PPG, which puts the as one of the most efficient offenses in the nation. They have also been battle-tested in the MAC this year with beating Akron (19-5) and Kent State (17-7), who are both atop the MAC this year. Some critics point to strength of schedule when evaluating the unbeaten record, but Miami has consistently won and controlled games on both ends of the floor.
This season isn’t a Cinderella run; this has been built and brewing in Oxford for a little while now. No matter how long the streak lasts, Miami has captured the attention of college basketball fans nationwide. But the real question remains: How long can the RedHawks stay undefeated?
