Is Miami Ohio in March Madness if it loses MAC? Case for, against RedHawks’ at-large chances

The last undefeated team in men’s college basketball is at the center of the NCAA Tournament debate.

No. 20 Miami (Ohio) remains perfect going into the final week of the regular season, at 29-0 with two games left before the MAC tournament.

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And while their record indicates the RedHawks should be a shoo-in for March Madness, that may not be the case. And there’s no certainty Miami wins the MAC’s automatic bid either.

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The RedHawks have had plenty of close calls, and second-place Akron is no pushover. The Zips are 24-5 (15-1 in MAC), with their lone league loss to Miami by three points back on Jan. 3.

So what happens if Miami doesn’t leave Cleveland with an automatic bid?

Miami’s resume and season has perplexed the hoops world as it reignites the age-old postseason debate of best vs. deserving. The discussion intensified when former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said the RedHawks aren’t worthy of an at-large spot.

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“If we’re selecting the 68 best teams, then Miami (Ohio) is going to have to win their tournament to qualify as a champion, because as an at-large, they are not one of the best teams in the country, and that’s going to be a difficult choice for the committee,” he said.

Miami (OH) RedHawks forward Antwone Woolfolk (13) reacts with teammate forward Brant Byers (22) during a stop in play against the Ohio Bobcats in the second half at Millett Hall.

Miami’s athletic director David Sayler wasn’t too impressed with Pearl’s analysis, firing back on Monday via social media.

“(You) are flat out wrong about (Miami Ohio basketball) when (you) say we would finish last in the Big East,” Sayler posted. “The disrespect is awful and (you) should not be near a TV studio covering this sport when (you) show your true colors! Even slipped in a ‘we’ when talking about Auburn, nice work!”

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There are several reasons Miami should and shouldn’t be in the NCAA Tournament. Of course, it can make all of this moot by heading into Selection Sunday if it still…

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Publish date : 2026-03-03 09:40:00

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