At 26-0 overall, you’d think that Miami (OH) Basketball would be safely into the NCAA Tournament. However, a mock Selection Committee exercise done including many college basketball writers and analysts wasn’t as highly viewed, placed around the 12-seed line, meaning that they can’t afford to take losses before the MAC Tournament.
On Friday, the RedHawks hosted Bowling Green in a conference battle on Senior Night. And the Falcons looked ready to give them a battle, up by a couple of points midway in the first half. However, multiple unanswered 8+ point runs by Miami blew the game wide open, up 45-30 at the half before ultimately coasting to a 91-77 win to move to 27-0 on the season.
Played for our Seniors‼️#UnFinishedBusiness || #MiamiMindset || #RiseUpRedHawks pic.twitter.com/jN7RPzDB14
— Miami Men’s Basketball (@MiamiOH_BBall) February 21, 2026
Here are some takeaways from the game.
1. Luke Skaljac’s hot start
LUUUKE Skaljac 🔥 @LSkaljac#UnFinishedBusiness || #MiamiMindset || #RiseUpRedHawks pic.twitter.com/4HDkrPLGHJ
— Miami Men’s Basketball (@MiamiOH_BBall) February 21, 2026
Tied for the lead scorer on the night was Skaljac with 24 points, including 5/10 shooting from deep. But most of his production came in the first 16 minutes, where he had 16 points and played a key role in extending the lead. By his standards, Peter Suder (10 points) was quiet tonight. But for a balanced team with many capable lead options, it was Skaljac who led the way for the RedHawks.
2. Defense the key to extending the lead
Again, Miami’s offense was the main storyline with another 90+ point outing. But the RedHawks were able to score thanks to their defense, including eight steals (5 by Eian Elmer alone), which created 15 points off turnovers, including several in that run to push the lead to double-figures.
3. Prolific 3-point shooting
For 333333 @eianjaree0#UnFinishedBusiness || #MiamiMindset || #RiseUpRedHawks pic.twitter.com/DP2Qwij7h5
— Miami Men’s Basketball (@MiamiOH_BBall) February 21, 2026
Bowling Green isn’t much of a three-point shooting unit, but they still managed to go 10/25 (40%) overall. Most nights, that should be enough for the Falcons to have a shot at winning. Instead, it prevented the final margin from getting to 20+ points, as the RedHawks went 13/30 overall, good for 43%. Elmer and Skaljac each had five, showing how deadly this offense can be and from anyone in the rotation.
When Miami shoots like this, they can beat anyone in the MAC and quite a few programs in the NCAA Tournament.