RedHawks Send a Message: Miami Buries SMU in Historic Shooting Night

DAYTON, OH — Call it validation, call it a breakthrough—whatever label you prefer, the Miami RedHawks delivered one of the most emphatic First Four performances in recent NCAA Tournament memory.

Behind a record-setting barrage from beyond the arc, No. 11 Miami (OH) (32-1) knocked off No. 11 SMU (20-14) 89-79, securing the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory in 27 years.

This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Against a physical, high-major opponent, Miami proved its historic season was no fluke.

The Ultimate Weapon: Three-Point Dominance

SMU had the size. Miami had the answer.

Rather than challenge the Mustangs inside, the RedHawks stretched the floor and turned the game into a perimeter clinic.

• Historic Shooting Night: Miami buried 16-of-41 from deep, setting a First Four record.

• Eian Elmer’s Breakout: Elmer led the charge with 23 points, hitting 6-of-9 from three.

• Brant Byers’ Support: Byers added four triples, helping Miami consistently punish SMU’s interior-focused defense.

Every time SMU tried to collapse the paint, Miami made them pay.

Precision Basketball: The Hidden Edge

While the shooting grabbed headlines, Miami’s discipline may have been even more impressive.

• Just 4 turnovers in a high-tempo NCAA Tournament game

• Smart shot selection and controlled pace

• Efficient execution that never allowed SMU to fully seize momentum

That level of ball security gave Miami a steady cushion, even when the Mustangs surged.

UD Arena Turns RedHawk Territory

Playing just 50 miles from Oxford, Miami enjoyed what essentially felt like a home game.

The crowd energy peaked during a decisive 13-0 second-half run, pushing the RedHawks’ lead to double digits and shifting complete control of the game.

SMU never fully recovered.

By the Numbers: A Contrast in Styles

It was a classic battle: Miami’s spacing and shooting vs. SMU’s power inside—and the perimeter won decisively.

SMU’s Fight: Power Inside the Paint

To their credit, the Mustangs never backed down.

• Jaden Toombs Dominates: 20 points and 11 rebounds on 8-of-10 shooting

• Second-Half Rally: A 17-5 run erased Miami’s halftime lead and briefly gave SMU control

• Free Throw Efficiency: 12-of-15 (80%) kept pressure on Miami throughout

For a stretch, it looked like the RedHawks might get overwhelmed.

They didn’t.

The Response: Championship Composure

After surrendering the lead early in the second half, Miami responded like a veteran team—not a program ending a 27-year drought.

The threes started falling again. The defense tightened. The crowd erupted.

And just like that, control was restored for good. Check out the Top Sportsbooks for Betting on March Madness!

What’s Next: Tennessee Awaits

Miami now advances to face No. 6 Tennessee in Philadelphia—a completely different challenge.

To pull another upset, three things must happen:

1. Can the shooting hold up?

Tennessee’s perimeter defense is elite. Miami will need creativity to generate the same volume of clean looks.

2. Can they survive physically?

The RedHawks held even on the glass against SMU, but Tennessee brings more athleticism and depth. Rebounding will be critical.

3. Will the young guard stay poised?

Freshman Luke Skaljac (17 points) showed no fear in his debut. Against Tennessee’s pressure defense, his composure could define the game.

Final Word

This wasn’t just a win—it was a program-defining moment.

Miami (OH) didn’t sneak past SMU. They outplayed, out-executed, and outshot them on the biggest stage.

And if the RedHawks can bottle even a fraction of this performance…

they won’t be done dancing anytime soon.