The dream season for Miami (Ohio) continues.
The RedHawks remain undefeated, moving to 19-0 after a dramatic finish on Saturday, Jan. 17 against Buffalo that required two buzzer-beating shots — once in regulation, and again in overtime.
The visiting Bulls gave the RedHawks, one of three undefeated teams left in the country, plenty of trouble in a tight contest. With 12 seconds left, Buffalo guard Daniel Freitag made two free throws to make it a three-point game, putting the pressure on Miami.
Miami (Ohio’s) Peter Suder tried a 3-pointer and missed, but Brant Byers tipped the ball back right into the hands of Eian Elmer, who took one step back behind the arc and knocked down the shot as time expired to send it to overtime.
The surprises continued into the extra period. It remained close with less than 20 seconds left, with Buffalo’s Ezra McKenna hitting a 3-point shot to tie the game at 102. Miami had the chance to end the game, and Suder redeemed himself by drilling a 3-pointer to make it 105-102 with a second left.
Suder let the Bulls know it was time to go when he hit the ‘night-night’ celebration right in front of the bench.
The Bulls were unable to get the game-tying shot to send it to a second overtime.
The thrilling victory extends what has been the best start in program history for Miami (Ohio). At 19-0, it also tied the MAC record for best start to the season, set by Western Michigan in 1975-76. Not only are they the favorite to win the conference and secure an NCAA Tournament bid, but also continue to make a case to be in the field as an at-large, regardless of winning a MAC title.
In the most recent USA TODAY Sports Bracketology, Miami Ohio is a No. 11 seed, which would be its best mark since it was a No. 10 seed in 1999.
Entering the day, Miami (Ohio), Arizona and Nebraska are the only undefeated teams left in the country.
