Miami U shocks SMU
Miami (Ohio) beat SMU 89–79 in the First Four — their first NCAA tournament win since 1999 — and they did it with a barrage: 41 three‑point attempts, 16 makes (a First Four record) and 39% from deep while committing just four turnovers. Dayton was overwhelmingly RedHawks fans (~85%+), and Miami now heads to Philadelphia to face #1 Tennessee on Friday (x.com).
Eian Elmer led Miami with 23 points and hit multiple long-range shots while reaching the 1,000-career-point milestone during the game’s first half. (espn.com)) Senior Brant Byers finished with 19 points — including four made triples — and guard Luke Skaljac added 17 points for the RedHawks. (sportingnews.com)) Miami entered the tournament as the final at-large selection and carried a 32-1 record into the bracket after going unbeaten in the regular season. (sportingnews.com)) The contest was played at the University of Dayton’s UD Arena, roughly 40 miles from Miami’s Oxford, Ohio, campus. (espn.com)) On SMU’s side, Jaden Toombs had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Jaron Pierre Jr. scored 18, and Boopie Miller contributed 15 points off the bench. (sportingnews.com)) SMU’s noted guard B.J. Edwards did not play because he said he did not feel “game ready,” and coach Andy Enfield denied misleading the NCAA about Edwards’ availability. (espn.com)) Coach Travis Steele said before the game his message was for Miami to be the more aggressive, attacking team, and he reiterated that theme during the postgame remarks. (newspub.live))
