Date: Friday, February 13, 2026 Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: Millett Hall, Oxford, OH TV: CBS Sports Network

The Matchup Context: Perfection vs. Pride

The “Battle of the Bricks” carries extra weight this year. Miami (OH) enters at 24–0, the last undefeated team in Division I basketball and firmly in control of the MAC race. Under Travis Steele, the RedHawks have become a model of offensive efficiency and composure, leading the nation in field goal percentage and scoring nearly 93 points per game. Every possession feels calculated, every rotation purposeful. Steele has embraced the target on his back — and so far, nobody has landed a punch that matters.

Across the rivalry floor stands Ohio, led by alum Jeff Boals, who understands exactly what this game means. The Bobcats sit at 13–12, searching for consistency but still dangerous in February. Boals has a history of late-season surges, and nothing would reset Ohio’s momentum like ending Miami’s perfect season on its home court. This isn’t just another conference game — it’s pride, history, and opportunity wrapped into 40 minutes.

Players to Watch

Miami (OH): Peter Suder is the steady hand in Steele’s “CEO” offense. Averaging 14.1 points and 4.5 assists per game, he controls tempo and anchors Miami’s perimeter defense. When games tighten, Suder dictates spacing and ball movement.

Ohio: Jackson Paveletzke is Ohio’s offensive engine, averaging 17.0 points per contest. He thrives in isolation late in the shot clock and must shoulder massive usage if Ohio hopes to stay within striking distance.

Keys to the Game

For Miami to Win:

• Start Fast: Early scoring runs crush underdog confidence.

• Win the Glass: Offensive rebounds extend possessions and demoralize defenses.

For Ohio to Win:

• Drag It Into the Fourth Quarter: Keep it within one or two possessions late.

• Disrupt Rhythm: Force Miami into uncomfortable, contested possessions.

Betting Odds & Analysis

• Point Spread: Miami -11.5

• Over/Under: 168.5

The Breakdown: Rivalry games typically shrink margins, but Miami’s offensive profile has separated them from the MAC field. The RedHawks have won 18 of 24 by double digits, and their ball movement punishes teams that cannot close out shooters. Ohio’s best chance is slowing pace and turning this into a half-court grind.

Top 4 Prop Bets

Prop Bet #1: Brant Byers Over 16.5 Points

Byers is Miami’s tone-setter offensively. When he finds rhythm early from deep, the RedHawks become nearly impossible to contain. Ohio’s defense has struggled closing out shooters in late-game scenarios, and Byers’ ability to score at all three levels makes him a matchup nightmare.

In rivalry games, stars often assert themselves early to silence the crowd or ignite it. Byers’ usage remains steady regardless of opponent, and Miami’s ball movement naturally generates quality looks for him on the perimeter and in transition. If he hits two early threes, this prop trends strongly upward.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Prediction: Brant Byers Over 16.5 Points

• Primary Scoring Threat
• Perimeter Mismatch
• Early Rhythm Factor

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Prop Bet #2: Jackson Paveletzke Over 19.5 Points

Ohio’s path to an upset requires Paveletzke to flirt with 25+. His usage rate spikes in competitive games, especially against elite offenses where Ohio must keep pace. Miami’s high-scoring style inflates possessions, and even in defeat, Paveletzke’s shot volume remains high.

He excels at drawing fouls and attacking late in the clock, which raises his scoring floor. If Ohio stays within 8–10 points through the first half, this prop becomes very live.

DraftKings

4.6/5

Prediction: Jackson Paveletzke Over 19.5 Points

• High Usage Role
• Free Throw Volume
• Catch-Up Script Friendly

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Prop Bet #3: Peter Suder Over 5.5 Assists

Suder thrives in structured offensive games where Miami’s motion creates open shooters. Ohio’s perimeter pressure may initially disrupt rhythm, but Miami’s 17.1 assists per game reflect how quickly they adjust.

In rivalry settings, experienced guards lean into playmaking responsibilities. Suder’s assist total climbs when Miami spreads the floor and forces defensive recovery rotations. If the RedHawks approach their season average offensively, this number is very reachable.

Prop Bet #4: Total Points Over 168.5

Miami’s pace and offensive efficiency alone make overs tempting. Ohio may attempt to slow the game, but keeping Miami below 80 has proven nearly impossible this season.

If Ohio scores into the mid-70s, this total clears comfortably. Rivalry intensity often fuels early scoring bursts before defenses settle. Given Miami’s ability to turn steals and rebounds into quick transition points, the over aligns with expected tempo.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Prediction: Over 168.5 Total Points

• Nation’s #1 FG%
• Pace Advantage
• Rivalry Energy Boost

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The Verdict

Prediction: Miami (OH) 88, Ohio 74

Ohio competes behind a strong performance from Paveletzke, but Miami’s depth and offensive precision ultimately overwhelm. Back-to-back perimeter shots in the second half stretch the lead into double digits, and the RedHawks keep the perfect season intact at Millett Hall.