25. Miami-Ohio (31-0)
Let’s just set a few things straight before we start talking about this Miami team. They’re spotless record is extremely impressive regardless of the strength of their schedule. There comes a point where you just have to be in awe of a team that can win 31 games in a row, and despite some close calls that’s exactly what these RedHawks have done. It hasn’t always been easy or pretty but they get the job done.
That was certainly the case twice more this week, starting off with a 74-72 win over Toledo in their home finale Tuesday night. The RedHawks got some key plays late, including a 19-point effort from Peter Suder. What transpired late Friday night was a legendary ballgame, as Miami won an instant classic at Ohio, downing the Bobcats 110-108 in overtime. The RedHawks survived another close contest, getting 32 points and 12 rebounds from Eian Elmer and a heroic 21 points from Trey Perry off the bench.
The RedHawks may not compare in the metrics and haven’t exactly been dominating people in recent weeks, but Miami is perfect and that deserves recognition. We absolutely should see the RedHawks in the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happens in the MAC Tournament and there’s a serious problem with this sport if they aren’t in the field of 68. They’ll start that MAC Tourney run against UMass next week, with hopes of getting to 34 wins very soon.