The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks are making headlines across the country, and for good reason—on Friday night, they did it again. In front of a roaring, sellout crowd of 10,640 at Millett Hall, the 23rd-ranked RedHawks extended their perfect season to 25-0 with a commanding 90-74 victory over the Ohio Bobcats. The win not only preserved Miami’s status as the only unbeaten team left in Division I men’s basketball, but also tied the school’s single-season record for victories—a mark set just last year. With six regular season games remaining, the RedHawks are inching closer to a truly historic campaign.
Brant Byers was the star of the night, pouring in 21 points and showing nerves of steel at the charity stripe by sinking 13 of his 16 free throw attempts. Peter Suder wasn’t far behind, tallying 20 points and grabbing six rebounds, while Eian Elmer chipped in 15 crucial points. The trio of Byers, Suder, and Almar Atlason each pulled down six boards, helping Miami outmuscle Ohio on the glass by a 38-29 margin.
“We just keep finding ways to win,” Byers said after the game, his voice barely audible over the cheers echoing through Millett Hall. "Everyone’s bought in, and our chemistry is off the charts right now." That chemistry was on full display as the RedHawks dished out 15 assists, moving the ball with purpose and precision. Their offensive execution was clinical—Miami shot a sizzling 51.7% from the field and knocked down 9 of 18 attempts from beyond the arc, good for a red-hot 50% clip from deep.
The Bobcats, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm from long range, connecting on just 5 of 21 three-point tries (23.8%). Senior guard Jackson Paveletzke did his best to keep Ohio in the fight, leading all scorers with 22 points while adding four rebounds and three assists. Javan Simmons contributed 12 points and four boards, but the Bobcats just couldn’t keep pace with Miami’s relentless attack. "We gave it everything we had, but they were just a step ahead tonight," Paveletzke admitted postgame.
The contest started with plenty of back-and-forth action. Ohio actually won the opening tip and drew first blood on a jumper from freshman JJ Kelly. The teams traded buckets over the first 15 minutes, with Miami clinging to a slim 30-26 advantage. But then the RedHawks found another gear, embarking on an 11-4 run that stretched their lead to 41-30 with under two minutes left in the first half. By halftime, Miami was up 43-35, having shot 50% from the field and 40% from three, while both teams were even on the boards at 17 apiece.
After the break, Miami wasted no time in asserting control. The RedHawks opened the second half with a 7-2 spurt, five of those points courtesy of Byers, and never looked back. Free throws were a key part of their strategy, as Miami finished 21-of-28 from the line, compared to Ohio’s 13-of-20. Their largest lead ballooned to 83-63 with just four minutes remaining—a margin that left little doubt about the outcome.
Ohio tried to mount a comeback, with Ajay Sheldon and Jesse Burris hitting timely shots and Simmons working the paint, but every time the Bobcats made a push, Miami responded. The RedHawks’ ball movement was crisp, often finding the open man on the perimeter or exploiting mismatches inside. Their 15 assists to Ohio’s six told the story of a team playing unselfish, winning basketball.
Defensively, Miami made life difficult for the Bobcats, contesting shots and closing out hard on shooters. The RedHawks’ ability to rebound and secure second-chance opportunities was another big factor. "We know rebounding is all about effort and heart," Suder said. "That’s something we take pride in every night."
The atmosphere inside Millett Hall was electric from start to finish. The crowd of 10,640 matched the school record for single-game home attendance, previously set just two weeks prior against Northern Illinois. Fans were on their feet for much of the night, sensing that they were witnessing something special as Miami continued its march toward perfection.
With the win, Miami not only maintained its spotless record but also extended the nation’s longest active winning streak to 25 games. That’s well ahead of the next closest teams: Saint Louis (18 straight), Liberty (15), and Winthrop (11). The RedHawks’ dominance has become a national talking point, with pundits and fans alike wondering if they can run the table and complete an undefeated regular season—a feat rarely seen in the modern era of college basketball.
There’s still work to be done, of course. Miami has six games left on its schedule, including a tough road matchup at Massachusetts on Tuesday night. Head coach and players alike have been quick to downplay talk of perfection, insisting that their focus remains on the next opponent. "We’re not looking ahead," Elmer said. "Every game is a battle, and we know teams are coming for us. We just want to keep getting better."
For Ohio, the loss drops them to 13-13 overall and 7-6 in Mid-American Conference play. The Bobcats will look to regroup quickly, as they return home to face Ball State on Tuesday, February 17, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET at the Convocation Center. That game will be broadcast on ESPN+, giving Ohio a chance to bounce back in front of their home fans.
Looking at the numbers, Miami’s shooting prowess was undeniable: 51.7% from the floor, 50% from three, and a solid 75% at the free throw line. They also controlled the glass and shared the ball effectively, all while playing with the poise of a team that’s been here before. The RedHawks’ balanced attack—three players in double figures, three with six rebounds—underscores their depth and versatility.
As the regular season winds down, the spotlight on Miami will only grow brighter. Can the RedHawks handle the pressure and finish what they’ve started? If Friday night’s performance is any indication, they’re embracing the challenge with open arms and a collective determination that’s hard to ignore.
For now, Miami’s unbeaten run rolls on, their confidence soaring and their fanbase dreaming of history. The next test awaits in Massachusetts, but the RedHawks have shown time and again that they’re more than ready for whatever comes their way.