#smu

Miami makes 16 threes, beats SMU for first NCAA Tournament win since 1999 The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 64 with a 89-79 victory over SMU in the First Four on Wednesday night. The win marked the program’s first NCAA Tournament triumph since 1999, when they reached the Sweet 16. The RedHawks, seeded 11th, connected on 16 three-pointers to secure the win, continuing their successful season. Guard Eian Elmer led Miami with 23 points, forward Brant Byers added 19, and guard Luke Skaljac contributed 17. The RedHawks, now 32-1, will face No. 6-seeded Tennessee Volunteers in the Round of 64 on Friday at 4:25 p.m. in Philadelphia. The game saw Miami overcome a slow start, with Elmer and Skaljac combining for 26 points in the first half. Byers also scored 12 in the opening 20 minutes, helping Miami build a 43-34 lead at halftime. The RedHawks’ fast-paced first half included 10 three-pointers, setting the tone for the game. SMU fought back in the second half, briefly taking the lead with about 14 minutes remaining. However, Miami’s consistent shooting—45% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc—kept them ahead. The RedHawks’ largest lead in the second half was 14 points. SMU, missing key guard BJ Edwards due to an ankle injury, was led by Jaden Toombs with 20 points, Jaron Pierre Jr. with 18, and Boopie Miller with 15. The game was played in front of a pro-Miami crowd, with the RedHawks’ Oxford campus located about 40 miles from Dayton. The win extends Miami’s season and marks a historic milestone for the program.#miami_ohio #smu #eian_elmer #brant_byers #luk_skaljac

Miami Ohio Proves Doubters Wrong with March Madness Victory PHILADELPHIA – Miami (Ohio) men’s basketball made a strong statement in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament, defeating SMU 89-79 at UD Arena in Dayton. The win silenced critics who questioned the Mid-American Conference team’s place in the 68-team field, as the RedHawks entered the tournament with a 31-0 regular-season record and a first-ever at-large bid in program history. Coach Travis Steele emphasized that the team’s focus remains on proving their worth to themselves rather than external skeptics. “We know how good we are. We know we deserve this opportunity,” Steele said. “We’re going to go showcase that.” The RedHawks, who are the first MAC team to earn an at-large bid since 1999, face No. 6 Tennessee in the Round of 64 on Friday. Despite the challenge, players like guard Peter Suder and sophomore Luke Skaljac stressed that the team’s confidence stems from internal belief rather than external validation. Suder, reflecting on the win over SMU, said, “We showed that last night, especially, but just don’t count us out.” Skaljac added, “We’re not really trying to prove it to the media, fans, or whatever. We all know inside the locker room who we are as a team.” The RedHawks’ offensive firepower was evident, as Eian Elmer, Skaljac, and Brant Byers combined for 59 points, showcasing their ability to dominate in high-stakes games. The victory also marked a historic milestone for the program, which made its 18th NCAA Tournament appearance and its first since 2007. The win came amid a season of overcoming skepticism, with some analysts questioning whether the team should have been included in the field after failing to secure an automatic bid.#travis_steele #miami_ohio #smu #dayton #ud_arena

Miami (Ohio) downs SMU in First Four: 'Deserve' to be here Miami (Ohio) made a strong statement in the First Four of the NCAA tournament, defeating SMU 89-79 at UD Arena. The 11th-seeded RedHawks, who had been a polarizing 30-win team in the lead-up to the tournament, proved their worth by outperforming the 6.5-point favorite. The victory marked their first tournament game since 2007 and set them up for a first-round matchup against No. 6 seed Tennessee in the Midwest Region. Coach Travis Steele emphasized that the game was not an upset, calling it a validation of the team’s preparation. “We were the better team coming into this game,” he said. The RedHawks led for most of the contest, hit a season-high 16 three-pointers, and scored their highest total in a tournament game since 1958. Star guard Peter Suder credited the team’s resilience, saying they had “proven the doubters wrong” by defeating a “really good team” with physical talent. Miami’s path to the tournament was unique. The team did not face any power conference opponents in nonleague play, as schools avoided scheduling them due to their weak schedule. Despite going 31-0 in the regular season and reaching the Mid-American Conference tournament quarterfinals, their lack of high-profile wins created an unusual at-large profile. “We had to basically be perfect in the whole regular season to get that at-large,” Steele said. The RedHawks’ success in the tournament was bolstered by a passionate crowd, with over 12,000 fans in attendance. The game’s energy was heightened by the presence of Miami’s men’s swimming and diving team, who sprinted down the aisle behind SMU’s basket to distract free throw shooter Corey Washington. “What really surprised me was the swim team, when they came out,” said forward Antwone Woolfolk. Miami’s offensive strategy was key to the win.#travis_steele #miami_ohio #smu #ud_arena #peter_suder

Boopie Miller carries on SMU March Madness legacy from cousin Sterling Brown Boopie Miller arrived at SMU two seasons ago as a player Andy Enfield believed could help rebuild the program. In his final season as a senior point guard, Miller led the Mustangs to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in nine years, averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per game. His performance solidified his place in SMU history, ending a long drought for the team in March Madness. However, Miller’s journey is deeply tied to the legacy of his cousin, Sterling Brown, who played a pivotal role in SMU’s basketball history over a decade earlier. Sterling Brown, who spent four seasons at SMU from 2013 to 2017, was instrumental in the Mustangs’ previous NCAA Tournament runs in 2015 and 2017. During his senior year, Brown averaged 13.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, guiding the team to a 6-seed in the tournament. Despite their efforts, SMU fell to Enfield’s USC Trojans in the first round, an ironic twist given Enfield’s role in both programs. After his college career, Brown was drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers and later played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Miller credited Brown for his decision to commit to SMU before the 2025 season. The two maintained a close relationship, with Brown offering encouragement and guidance throughout Miller’s college career. “He kept me motivated, telling me to keep going and keep winning,” Miller said. “He said I could go in there and make my mark, and that’s exactly what I did.” Now, Miller aims to achieve what Brown could not at SMU: a NCAA Tournament victory. While Brown’s contributions helped the team reach the tournament, Miller’s success marks a new chapter in the program’s history.#ncaa_tournament #smu #andy_enfield #boopie_miller #sterling_brown

Boopie Miller carries on SMU March Madness legacy from cousin Sterling Brown Boopie Miller joined SMU two seasons ago, becoming a key player for coach Andy Enfield's program. In his second and final season at the university, the senior point guard led the Mustangs back to the NCAA Tournament, averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per game. His performance snapped a nine-year drought for SMU in the NCAA Tournament, marking a significant milestone in the program's history. However, Miller's journey also reflects a family legacy rooted in SMU basketball, carried forward by his cousin, Sterling Brown, who played for the Mustangs over a decade earlier. Sterling Brown, who spent four seasons at SMU from 2013 to 2017, was instrumental in the team's previous NCAA Tournament appearances in 2015 and 2017. During his senior season, Brown averaged 13.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, guiding SMU to a 6-seed in the tournament. Tragically, the Mustangs were upset in the first round by Enfield’s USC Trojans, a team Brown had previously coached. After his college career, Brown was drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017 and later played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Miller credited Brown for his decision to commit to SMU before the 2025 season. The two maintained a close relationship, with Brown offering motivation and guidance throughout Miller’s college career. “He kept me motivated, telling me to keep going and keep winning,” Miller said. “He said I could make my mark, and that’s exactly what I did.” Now, Miller aims to achieve what Brown never accomplished at SMU: leading the Mustangs to an NCAA Tournament victory.#ncaa_tournament #smu #andy_enfield #boopie_miller #sterling_brown

Why Boopie Miller Has That Nickname as SMU Star Guard Boopie Miller, the standout guard for SMU’s men’s basketball team, is known by his nickname rather than his real name. The 20-year-old player, who averages 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per game, has become a key figure in the Mustangs’ lineup. His 41% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc has made him a standout performer, contributing to SMU’s potential NCAA Tournament aspirations. The nickname “Boopie” originated from his mother, who gave it to him in honor of her late brother. His uncle, whose name was “Boobie,” passed away, prompting his mother to slightly alter the name by adding a “P” to create “Boopie.” As Boopie explained to Fox 4 News, the nickname became a part of his identity, and it’s a name he’s embraced fully. “It started with my mom’s brother, his name was Boobie. So when he passed away, my mom just put a P at the end, you know. Just called me Boopie,” he shared. Despite the playful nature of his nickname, Boopie’s real name is Kevin. However, the moniker has stuck with him, and teammates and fans alike refer to him by “Boopie.” His performance on the court has only reinforced the significance of the nickname, as he continues to play a pivotal role for SMU. The story of his nickname highlights the personal connections that often shape athletes’ identities. For Boopie, it’s a tribute to his family history and a symbol of his place within the SMU basketball program. As the Mustangs look to make a mark in the NCAA Tournament, Boopie’s journey from a nickname to a star player underscores the blend of personal legacy and athletic success.#ncaa_tournament #smu #boopie_miller #fox_4_news #kevin_miller

March Madness Odds: 2 Best Bets for Wednesday's First Four Games The First Four games of the NCAA Tournament kicked off on Wednesday, featuring matchups between Lehigh and Prairie View A&M, as well as Miami (OH) and SMU. Analysts from FanDuel Sportsbook identified two key betting opportunities based on team performance metrics and historical trends. The first game, Lehigh (16th seed) vs. Prairie View A&M (16th seed), presented a strong case for backing the under 143.5 points line at -110 odds. Both teams struggled offensively, ranking 290th and 310th, respectively, in offensive efficiency according to KenPom. Their defensive capabilities were also limited, with neither team in the top 230 in defensive rankings. However, both squads excelled at limiting three-point attempts, with Lehigh allowing just 32.2% of opponents’ three-pointers and Prairie View A&M keeping the rate at 34.6%. This trend toward fewer long-range shots made the under line an appealing option. The second matchup, Miami (OH) (11th seed) vs. SMU (11th seed), leaned heavily on statistical analysis. Despite Miami’s 11-1 record, their performance in close games raised concerns about their overall strength. The RedHawks had won their last three contests by exactly two points, suggesting a team reliant on narrow margins. KenPom ranked SMU 42nd overall compared to Miami’s 93rd, while Torvik’s projections placed SMU at 42nd and Miami at 86th. SMU’s offensive efficiency (26th) and defensive ranking (91st) also outpaced Miami’s offensive (70th) and defensive (156th) marks. Although SMU had a recent losing streak, their stronger schedule (51st strength of schedule) contrasted with Miami’s weaker slate (269th). The analysis favored SMU to cover the spread despite their recent struggles.#ncaa_tournament #smu #miami_oh #lehigh #prairie_view_am

Louisville Grinds Out ACC Tournament Win Over SMU, Highlighting Zougris' Rise and Bench Concerns Louisville secured a hard-fought 62-58 victory over SMU in its ACC Tournament opener Wednesday, showcasing a defensive, low-possession approach that deviated from the team’s usual fast-paced style. The Cardinals held SMU, a Top-25 caliber offense, to just 60 points, marking their first such performance in ACC play this season. The game, played in Charlotte, featured a slow tempo with only 61 possessions—a season low according to Ken Pomeroy’s metrics—and emphasized rebounding, contested shots, and clutch late-game plays. The win highlighted two key positives for Louisville as it prepares for a rematch with Miami. First, Vangelis Zougris, the 6-foot-7 forward from Greece, emerged as a potential March Madness star. Zougris, who entered the starting lineup in the next-to-last regular-season game, scored six consecutive points in the final minutes to flip a two-point deficit into a two-point lead. His energy and physicality have been a steady presence since joining the starting five, with coach Pat Kelsey praising his “desperation” and “toughness.” Zougris, who won the team’s gold jersey for top practice player last week, emphasized his focus on “showing up every day” and staying mentally prepared for the postseason. Second, sophomore Adrian Wooley stepped into the point guard role with confidence, steadying the offense in the absence of injured freshman Mikel Brown Jr. Wooley, less experienced than some transfers, has increasingly taken charge of ball distribution and attacking the rim, forcing defenses to prioritize his scoring threat. His ability to draw fouls and create opportunities has complemented Ryan Conwell’s off-ball play, forming a strong defensive backcourt.#smu #louisville #vangelis_zougris #pat_kelsey #adrian_wooley

SMU Guard B.J. Edwards Out for ACC Tournament Game Against Louisville SMU will face Louisville in the ACC tournament without starting guard B.J. Edwards, who is expected to miss his fifth consecutive game due to an ankle injury. A spokesperson for the Southern Methodist University confirmed the absence, which has raised concerns about the Mustangs’ ability to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. Coach Andy Enfield indicated Edwards is unlikely to return for Wednesday’s matchup but remains hopeful he could rejoin the team later in the week if SMU advances. The Mustangs’ recent performance has been a mixed bag without Edwards. They secured a 86-69 victory over Syracuse on Tuesday, their first win since the guard’s injury, but struggled in the aftermath. The team lost four consecutive games following Edwards’ absence, including a 73-69 setback to Cal on February 25, where the injury occurred. The Mustangs ended the regular season with a four-game losing streak, complicating their path to the NCAA tournament. Edwards’ absence has had a significant impact on SMU’s offensive output. The 22-year-old guard, entering his third season with the program, has averaged 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and a conference-leading 2.3 steals per game this season. His contributions earned him All-ACC honorable mention and All-Defensive team honors, highlighting his role as a key playmaker and defender. The ACC tournament game against Louisville carries major implications for SMU’s postseason prospects. A win could solidify their position in the 68-team NCAA tournament field, as the Mustangs split their regular-season meetings with the Cardinals. They fell 88-74 at Louisville in January but rebounded with a 95-85 victory at home in February.#acc_tournament #smu #bj_edwards #andy_enfield #louisville