CLEVELAND — The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament kicked off with a major upset as No. 20 Miami (Ohio) faced its first defeat of the season. The RedHawks lost to UMass, with a final score of 87-83. This game marked the end of Miami’s perfect record at 31-1.
Miami’s Historic Season Comes to an End
Entering the tournament, the RedHawks were one of only five Division I men’s basketball teams this century to finish the regular season undefeated. Unfortunately for Miami, the dream season took a turn in the quarterfinals.
Game Highlights
The contest was thrilling, featuring 12 lead changes and 10 ties. The decisive moment came when Daniel Hankins-Sanford made a tiebreaking layup with just 29 seconds left on the clock. UMass secured the win under immense pressure, showcasing their tenacity against a formidable opponent.
Historical Context
This loss places Miami (Ohio) in a unique historical context. They are now the second Division I team this century to enter a conference tournament undefeated and subsequently lose. The first was St. Joseph’s, which fell to Xavier in the 2004 Atlantic 10 quarterfinals. St. Joseph’s, however, went on to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Keys to UMass Victory
- Tiebreaking Layup: Daniel Hankins-Sanford’s crucial play sealed UMass’s victory.
- Strong Finish: UMass capitalized on their late-game opportunities to secure the win.
- Competitive Matchup: With numerous lead changes, both teams showcased their skill and determination.
This shocking defeat serves as a reminder of how unpredictable tournament play can be. UMass’s victory not only ended Miami’s perfect season but also set the stage for an exciting rest of the MAC Tournament.
