OXFORD, Ohio – In a season that’s already packed with milestones and record-breaking moments, the Miami University RedHawks men’s basketball squad just added another chapter to their remarkable run. On Friday night, inside a roaring Millett Hall filled with 10,640 fans—the largest crowd allowed by the fire marshal and a number that ties the school’s single-game attendance record—the 23rd-ranked RedHawks outpaced the Ohio Bobcats 90-74 to remain the only unbeaten team left in Division I men’s basketball.
With this win, Miami (25-0, 11-0 Mid-American Conference) not only extended its perfect record but also matched the school’s single-season victory mark, a feat set just last year. The RedHawks’ dominance is now the talk of the nation, as they boast the country’s longest active winning streak at 25 games—outpacing Saint Louis (18), Liberty (15), and Winthrop (11). What’s next? Six more games stand between Miami and a flawless regular season, but the pressure is mounting with every tip-off.
Friday’s game was a showcase for Miami’s balanced offense and relentless energy. Brant Byers led the charge with 21 points, putting on a clinic from the free throw line by sinking 13 of 16 attempts. Peter Suder wasn’t far behind, pouring in 20 points and grabbing six rebounds, while Eian Elmer chipped in 15 points to round out the RedHawks’ trio of double-digit scorers. Not to be overlooked, Almar Atlason also made his presence felt on the boards, matching Suder and Byers with six rebounds each. That effort helped Miami claim a 38-29 edge in rebounding—a stat that proved vital as the game wore on.
Ohio (13-13, 7-6 MAC) came to play, led by senior guard Jackson Paveletzke, who dropped a game-high 22 points while adding four rebounds and three assists. Redshirt junior forward Javan Simmons contributed 12 points and four rebounds, and senior guard Ajay Sheldon added eight points, but the Bobcats struggled to find their shooting touch from deep, making just 5 of 21 three-point attempts (23.8%).
The contest started with Ohio winning the tip and freshman JJ Kelly putting the Bobcats on the board first. Early on, the teams traded baskets and the lead, with the RedHawks nudging ahead 15-10 by the first media timeout. Ohio kept it close, trimming the deficit to two points at one stage, but Miami’s offense found its rhythm midway through the half. After leading 30-26, the RedHawks went on an 11-4 run, capped by a flurry of points from Byers and Suder, to stretch their lead to 41-30 with just under two minutes left before halftime.
Ohio fought back with a dunk from redshirt freshman Kiir Kuany and a three-pointer from Sheldon, but Miami’s consistent pressure and timely shooting saw them enter halftime with a 43-35 advantage. At the break, both teams had grabbed 17 rebounds, but Miami’s six assists to Ohio’s four hinted at a more cohesive offensive game plan. The RedHawks shot 50% from the field and 40% from three at the half, while Ohio managed 51.9% overall but just 3-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Coming out of the locker room, Miami wasted no time asserting control. They opened the second half with a 7-2 run, including five points from Byers, who continued to attack the rim and draw fouls. The RedHawks’ aggressive play forced Ohio to call an early timeout as Miami’s lead ballooned to 13 points. The Bobcats tried to respond, with Paveletzke and Sheldon knocking down key shots, but Miami’s offense was simply too efficient. The RedHawks shot a blistering 51.7% from the field and an even more impressive 50% from three-point range for the game (9-of-18), while also converting 21 of 28 free throws.
As the second half wore on, Miami’s depth and energy began to wear down the visiting Bobcats. A 7-0 run midway through the period pushed the lead to 17 points, and by the under-eight media timeout, the RedHawks were up by 19. Ohio tried to rally, with redshirt freshman Jesse Burris and Paveletzke combining for a handful of late buckets, but the gap proved insurmountable. Miami’s largest lead of the night came at 83-63 with just four minutes to play, and from there, the RedHawks coasted to their 90-74 victory.
“Our guys just keep finding ways to win,” Miami head coach (name not provided in the sources) would no doubt say if asked about his team’s resilience. The RedHawks’ ability to close out games, especially in front of raucous home crowds, has been a defining trait this season. The players fed off the energy from the sellout crowd, which tied the arena’s attendance record set earlier this month against Northern Illinois. The fans at Millett Hall have become a sixth man for this squad, and they made their presence felt from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
On the other side, Ohio’s head coach (name not provided in the sources) will be looking for answers as his team prepares for a crucial stretch run. The Bobcats’ inability to convert from long range and their struggles on the glass were glaring issues, but there were positives to build on. Paveletzke’s leadership and scoring, along with solid contributions from Simmons and Sheldon, give Ohio hope as they return home to face Ball State on February 17. That matchup, set for 7 p.m. ET at the Convocation Center, will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Miami, meanwhile, isn’t about to rest on its laurels. With six games left and a perfect season within reach, the RedHawks will hit the road for a tough test against UMass on Tuesday night. The pressure will only intensify as March approaches, but if this team’s poise and production are any indication, they’re ready for whatever comes their way.
As the final horn sounded and the crowd poured out of Millett Hall, there was a sense of history in the air. The RedHawks are chasing greatness, and with every win, the buzz grows louder. The road ahead won’t be easy, but right now, Miami stands alone atop the college basketball world—unbeaten, unbowed, and hungry for more.