After a copious amount of debate on TV and social media, it doesn’t matter anymore. Miami (Ohio) is in the NCAA Tournament and will be able to prove if it belongs.
The RedHawks were undefeated going into the MAC Tournament but ultimately fell to UMass 87-83 in the conference quarterfinals. But with a 31-1 overall record, Miami is still competing in March Madness.
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With head coach Travis Steele at the helm, Miami is an 11th seed. The RedHawks will play in the First Four and will face No. 11 SMU.
SMU head coach Andy Enfield has led the Mustangs to a 20-13 overall record. They’ve dropped eight of their last 13 games and five of their last six. That includes their second-round matchup in the ACC Tournament where they fell 62-58 against Louisville.
Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU Odds
SMU is a -7.5 college basketball betting odds favorite against Miami (Ohio), with the Over/Under being 164.5 points as of this writing.
The moneyline for Miami (Ohio) is +240, while it’s -300 for SMU.
Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU On TV
The matchup between Miami (Ohio) and SMU will be televised on truTV. The game will tip off at 9:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18.
The contest is taking place at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU Prediction
I predict Miami (Ohio) will win and therefore cover the 7.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 164.5 total points.
I like the RedHawks in this matchup for several reasons. For starters, in the wake of all the commotion around the team and its place in the college basketball hierarchy, I expect Miami will be highly motivated to prove itself in March Madness.
You also don’t go 31-1 without having a skilled team.
Miami is second in the country with 90.7 points per game, as seven players for the team are averaging double-digit points. MAC Player of the Year Peter Suder leads the way with 14.6 points per contest to go with 4.6 rebounds, four assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 55% from the field and 43% from 3-point range.
Brant Byers has added 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest. Eian Elmer leads the RedHawks with six rebounds per game while scoring 12.6 points per contest.
SMU also hasn’t been playing great recently. The Mustangs aren’t great on defense in general, giving up 77.6 PPG.
I expect Miami’s offense will flourish in this matchup and that the RedHawks will ultimately advance.
