For the first time in five years, a Division I college basketball team will enter the postseason with an undefeated record. It was close on Friday, though.
No. 19 Miami (Ohio) improved its record to 31-0 on Friday in its regular season finale, surviving a clash with in-state rival Ohio in overtime, 110-108. They are the first team to post an undefeated regular season since 2020-21 Gonzaga.
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The RedHawks’ final obstacle was their most persistent pain point. Their last road win against Ohio had been in 2011. Their last road win against Ohio in regulation was in 2006.
It was clear from the start that reversing history wouldn’t be easy, with the lead staying in single digits until late in the first half. The Miami lead reached as high as 11, but Ohio spent the entire second half bringing that down until it was a tie game with 40 seconds left.
Ohio came perilously close to ending it before overtime.
Overtime was similarly close, ultimately hinging on a pair of free throws by Peter Suder with 12 seconds left. A would-be game-winning, buzzer-beating 3-point clanked away for Ohio, and the Miami players began celebrating.
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They also made sure to let the Ohio crowd know it, and the Bobcat fans responded in kind.
The task for Miami now turns to the MAC tournament, where it will be the No. 1 seed. They face No. 8 seed UMass on Thursday.
Then comes the NCAA Tournament. We don’t know who needs to hear this, but Miami was likely already in regardless of how Friday went. So much has been made about their soft schedule — which, as is the case with many competitive mid-majors, not their fault — but it’s hard to imagine the committee icing out a 30-2 team, no matter whom they play.
Of course, Miami now has a chance to give them a 34-0 a team to consider on Selection Sunday.