Miami (Ohio) finished the regular season 31-0, but lost in the first round of the MAC Tournament against UMass.
The RedHawks received an at-large bid as a No. 11 seed and will face SMU in the First Four in Dayton, Ohio.
The winner of the Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU game will advance to play No. 6 Tennessee in the Midwest Region.
Miami's strength of schedule was a point of contention, particularly their non-conference schedule ranked No. 361 out of 365.
The RedHawks' Wins Above Bubble (WAB) ranking was No. 38, a key metric favoring their inclusion in the tournament.
Why this matters: Miami's inclusion highlights the selection committee's balance between rewarding regular-season success and considering strength of schedule. Their performance in the tournament will be a test of whether an undefeated record can overcome concerns about the quality of competition.
Miami (Ohio)'s journey to the NCAA Tournament is a classic Cinderella story, marked by an unblemished regular-season record. However, their loss to UMass in the MAC Tournament raised questions about their worthiness for an at-large bid. The selection committee's decision to include them reflects several factors:
Undefeated Record: Going 31-0 is a significant achievement that's hard to ignore, showcasing consistency and resilience.
Wins Above Bubble (WAB): Their No. 38 WAB ranking placed them ahead of several other bubble teams, indicating a strong case for inclusion based on this metric.
Historical Context: This marks the first time since 1999 that the MAC has received an at-large bid, adding to the significance of Miami's selection.
However, their weak non-conference strength of schedule (ranked No. 361) remains a point of concern. The RedHawks will need to prove their mettle against tougher competition in the tournament to justify their selection.
Why was Miami (Ohio) selected despite losing in the MAC Tournament?
Their undefeated regular season and strong Wins Above Bubble (WAB) ranking helped them secure an at-large bid.
Who will Miami (Ohio) play in the First Four?
They will face SMU in Dayton, Ohio.
When was the last time Miami (Ohio) made the NCAA Tournament?
Their last appearance was in 2007.
What seed is Miami (Ohio)?
Miami (Ohio) is an 11 seed.
Miami (Ohio)'s inclusion in the NCAA Tournament is a testament to their outstanding regular-season performance.
Their First Four game against SMU is a critical opportunity to prove their worth against national competition.
Keep an eye on how the selection committee balances regular-season records with strength of schedule in future tournaments.
The Miami (Ohio) women's team also made the tournament, for the first time since 2008!
Do you think Miami (Ohio) can make a deep run in the tournament? How far do you think an undefeated record can take a team? Let us know in the comments!
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