Miami University (Ohio) defeated Southern Methodist University 89-79 on Wednesday night in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four, marking the program’s first tournament victory in 27 years and advancing the RedHawks into the Midwest Region.

Eian Elmer led Miami with 22 points, shooting 6-of-9 from three-point range, as the 11-seeded RedHawks improved to 32-1 on the season. Brant Byers added 19 points with four three-pointers, while Luke Skaljac contributed 17 points. Miami’s perimeter shooting proved decisive, finishing 16-of-41 from beyond the arc.

The win comes after Miami completed a rare undefeated regular season at 31-0, one of only a handful of Division I teams to achieve the feat in the past 50 years. Despite that record, the RedHawks faced skepticism from analysts due to a weak strength of schedule and a lack of high-level wins, putting their at-large bid into question after an early exit in the Mid-American Conference tournament.

SMU, which entered the tournament for the first time in nine years, was led by Jaden Toombs with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jaron Pierre Jr. added 18 points, and Boopie Miller scored 15. The Mustangs struggled from long range, hitting just 5-of-19 three-point attempts after missing their first seven shots from deep.

Miami built momentum early behind Elmer’s hot shooting and extended its lead in the second half with timely scoring runs. Almar Atlason contributed 12 points, including key three-pointers that helped push the advantage to double digits. Skaljac later hit a transition three to stretch the lead to 71-57, putting the game out of reach.

Despite a size disadvantage, Miami matched SMU on the boards with 35 rebounds and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 17 points off offensive rebounds. SMU’s 7-foot-2 center Samet Yigitoglu fouled out late in the game, limiting the Mustangs’ interior presence.

Miami head coach Travis Steele said the team focused on aggressive play from the opening tip and emphasized confidence after the win. Players echoed that sentiment, downplaying outside criticism and expressing belief in their ability to compete.

With the victory, Miami advances to face No. 6 seed Tennessee on Friday in Philadelphia, continuing a postseason run that has already forced a reassessment of the team’s place in the tournament field.