Athens, Ohio — Miami (Ohio) wrapped up the regular season with an impressive record, remaining unbeaten at 31-0 after a thrilling 110-108 overtime win against Ohio. Eian Elmer shone brightly, scoring a career-high 32 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.
In the overtime, Peter Suder contributed five of his 13 points, helping Miami maintain its perfect season. This achievement places them among just three teams in Division I history to enter a conference tournament with a flawless record, joining the likes of Wichita State in 2014 and Kentucky in 2015, according to ESPN Research.
Trey Perry added 21 points, while Brant Byers chipped in 15. Despite their stellar season, Miami must clinch the conference tournament title to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.
On the other side, Jackson Paveletzke led Ohio with a career-high of 37 points, supported by Javan Simmons and Aidan Hadaway with 30 and 20 points, respectively. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, they ended the regular season on a low note, losing three straight games.
Miami faced challenges this season as well, often pulling off narrow wins. Their victory in Athens marked their first in 15 years, showcasing the team’s resilience. Notably, Simmons gave Ohio a brief lead in overtime, but Miami’s quick responses sealed their win.
Recent statistics reveal that only about 10% of teams that finish the regular season undefeated have gone on to win their conference tournament. This makes Miami’s upcoming challenge even more crucial as they strive to make their mark in the NCAA tournament.
For more details on Miami’s incredible journey and the implications for their upcoming matches, check out the latest from ESPN.
