When you think of March, many sports fans will instantly think of March Madness, formally known as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. March Madness consists of 68 of the best collegiate Men’s Basketball teams across the US.
So, if a team is 30-0 two weeks before Selection Sunday, then why is their spot in the tournament in jeopardy?
Allow me to introduce you to the Miami (OH) Redhawks. Not the same Miami University that lost in the CFP Finals, but Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Since the season started in November, the Redhawks have yet to lose a game.
On Friday March 6, at 9:00 PM EST, the Redhawks will play their final game of the season against the Ohio Bobcats, and will attempt to have a perfect regular season.
The Redhawks are the fifth team to get to 30-0 in the last 40 years.
Many sports analysts foresee difficulty for Miami to get into the March Madness bracket. Looking at a blank slate, why wouldn’t an undefeated team be a lock for the biggest stage in collegiate basketball?
Strength of schedule. According to ESPN, Miami (OH) has the 318th toughest schedule in College Basketball, one of the weakest in the sport.
Miami last made it to March Madness in 2007, as the #14 seed, and lost to #3 Oregon in the first round. Nationally, Miami (OH) are the #19 ranked team in the nation. Notably, the 30-0 Miami (OH) team is behind teams that are 21-8, 23-6, and 22-7.
Peter Suder, guard for Miami, said the following about getting to 30-0. “That’s the beauty of basketball. When you’re having fun with the right group of guys, you can become unbeatable. It’s a surreal moment, obviously. They’ve [Family] been with me through it all, and I’m just super-happy, they were there tonight and soaked in the moment as well.”
Overall, Miami (OH) certainly seems like the Cinderella story for this year. Shades of 2013-14 Wichita State, the Miami Redhawks have gained themselves many new fans for this year’s March Madness.
