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RedHawks Extend Undefeated Streak to 25-0

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 10:44 GMT by The Cincinnati Enquirer
      Locale: UNITED STATES

OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University RedHawks men's basketball team is captivating the nation with a season for the ages. After a hard-fought 82-75 victory over the UMass Minutemen Tuesday night in Amherst, Massachusetts, the RedHawks have extended their perfect record to an astounding 25-0. This win isn't just another checkmark in the win column; it's a statement - Miami is a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.

The atmosphere around the Oxford, Ohio campus is electric. What began as a promising start to the season has blossomed into a legitimate national story. While powerhouses like Kansas, Duke, and Gonzaga consistently garner headlines, Miami is quietly building an undefeated streak that is rapidly attracting attention from sports analysts and fans alike. The team's next challenge comes Saturday when they host Ball State, a game expected to draw a packed house and significant media coverage.

Tuesday's victory against UMass wasn't a walk in the park. The Minutemen, despite their 12-13 record, presented a stiff challenge, keeping the game competitive throughout. Miami led by ten at halftime, a testament to their strong first-half execution, but UMass refused to go quietly. The RedHawks' ability to maintain their composure and consistently execute on offense, however, proved to be the difference.

Senior guard Dae Dae Grant continues to be the driving force behind Miami's success. His 22-point performance against UMass highlighted his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Grant is averaging a team-leading 19.5 points per game and is considered a strong contender for Mid-American Conference Player of the Year. He's not just a scorer, though; his court vision and ability to create opportunities for teammates are crucial to the team's offensive flow.

However, the RedHawks aren't a one-man show. Junior forward Branden Rush is providing consistent scoring and rebounding, adding 18 points against UMass. Rush's inside presence complements Grant's perimeter game, creating a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. The emergence of freshman guard Noah Riley, who chipped in with 11 points on Tuesday, is also incredibly promising. His contribution provides valuable depth and suggests a bright future for the program.

Miami's success isn't solely attributable to individual talent. Their team shooting percentages tell a story of disciplined offense and smart shot selection. A 52% field goal percentage and a 39% clip from beyond the arc demonstrate their ability to consistently convert opportunities into points. This efficiency, combined with a strong defensive effort, has been the hallmark of their undefeated run.

The RedHawks currently sit atop the Mid-American Conference standings, and the pressure is mounting as they approach the conference tournament. Maintaining a perfect record throughout the regular season is a remarkable achievement, but the real test will come in the single-elimination tournament. Every game will be a battle, and the team will need to remain focused and resilient.

Experts are now beginning to discuss Miami's potential for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. While the committee may be hesitant to give a high seed to an undefeated team from a mid-major conference, the RedHawks are undeniably deserving of consideration. Their strong record, efficient offense, and balanced roster make them a dangerous opponent for any team in the country.

The university is already preparing for the possibility of hosting NCAA Tournament games, and the community is rallying around the team. The excitement is palpable, and the prospect of witnessing a historic season unfold is captivating the entire region. As Miami continues its pursuit of perfection, the nation is watching - and the RedHawks are ready to prove they belong among the elite.