The Miami RedHawks’ Unbeaten Streak
The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks, currently enjoying a perfect record of 24-0, will put their remarkable unbeaten run on the line in a highly anticipated rivalry matchup against the Ohio Bobcats on Friday night at 9 p.m. ET. This contest marks a critical moment for the RedHawks, who have experienced a series of nail-biting outcomes recently, including two overtime victories and two narrow triumphs by just two points in their last six games.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
Ohio, with an overall record of 13-12 and a conference mark of 7-5, triumphed over Miami in their previous encounter last season with a convincing 75-66 win and maintains a commanding lead in the all-time Battle of the Bricks series, boasting a record of 120-96 against Miami.
More than just a rivalry game, this matchup holds significant historical importance. Miami’s current 24-0 streak represents the finest start in the history of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and surpasses the previous conference record set by Kent State, which went 21-0 during the 2001-02 season. The last men’s college basketball team to finish an entire season without a loss was the legendary 1976 Indiana Hoosiers.
Key Players and Game Information
A critical component of Miami’s success lies in their impressive scoring distribution, with seven players averaging in double digits for points per game. Additionally, Luke Skajlac is right on the cusp with an average of 9.7 points.
Fans hoping to catch the game can find it broadcast on ESPN, with streaming available through the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. For those getting ready for the game, the odds from BetMGM Sportsbook indicate Miami is the favorite at -600 to win outright, while Ohio sits at +425.
Upcoming Schedule and Tournament Outlook
Ahead of this Friday’s clash, Miami finds itself ranked No. 24 in the USA TODAY Coaches poll and No. 23 in the AP poll. The RedHawks are projected as a No. 11 seed in the latest bracketology released by USA TODAY Sports, set to face Arkansas in the NCAA tournament.
With the RedHawks’ hopes on the line, the following matches are also on their schedule:
- February 17: at UMass, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
- February 21: vs. Bowling Green, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- February 24: at Eastern Michigan, 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- February 28: at Western Michigan, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- March 3: vs. Toledo, 7 p.m.
- March 6: at Ohio, 7 p.m.
The MAC Tournament is slated for March 12-14 in Cleveland, where Miami will seek to extend their success into postseason play.
