Miami (Ohio) defeats SMU 89-79 in NCAA First Four to advance as No. 11 seed

The Miami University RedHawks men's basketball team defeated Southern Methodist University 89-79 in a First Four game of the 2026 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament on March 18, 2026, at University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio.[1] The victory marked the RedHawks' first NCAA Tournament win since defeating Tennessee 58-43 in the first round in 1999.[2]

Miami (Ohio), coached by Travis Steele, advanced to the round of 64 as the No. 11 seed and will face Tennessee on March 20.[3] The RedHawks traveled approximately 25 miles from their Oxford, Ohio, campus to the venue, which has hosted the First Four games since 2011.[4]

Eian Elmer scored 23 points, including six 3-pointers, for Miami (Ohio). Brant Beyers added 19 points and Luka Skaljic contributed 17.[5] Some Miami (Ohio) student fans who traveled to Dayton wore swim trunks and caps, and reportedly distracted an SMU player at the foul line in the second half.

SMU's Jaden Toombs recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 18 points. The Mustangs have not won an NCAA Tournament game since reaching the Sweet 16 in 1988.[6]

Miami (Ohio) competes in the Mid-American Conference. Steele was hired as head coach in March 2024.[7] Elmer, Beyers and Skaljic are members of the RedHawks roster.[8]