The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks, currently ranked 22nd, have captivated the college basketball world by preserving their pristine undefeated record. With an impressive 26-0 run, including 13 victories within the Mid-American Conference, their season has been marked by an extraordinary ability to navigate challenging moments and emerge victorious. Coach Travis Steele attributes this success to the team's consistent composure, highlighting their capacity to remain unfazed under pressure. As they gear up for a significant matchup against Bowling Green, the RedHawks are poised to demonstrate once again the tenacious spirit that has defined their historic season.
Miami RedHawks Face Bowling Green in Crucial Rematch
On Friday, February 19, 2026, in Oxford, Ohio, the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks, the nation's last undefeated college basketball team, are set to clash with Bowling Green in a highly anticipated nationally televised game. The RedHawks, guided by Coach Travis Steele, have cultivated a resilient style of play, marked by their ability to stay 'flatline' in high-stakes situations. This mental fortitude has been crucial in their past eight games, six of which saw them either tied or trailing in the second half, including nail-biting overtime wins against Buffalo and Kent State in January, and a recent triumph over Massachusetts. In their latest victory against UMass, Miami overcame a late deficit, with Peter Suder contributing 23 points and Luke Skaljac adding 16 points and 7 assists, propelling the RedHawks' top-ranked offense which averages 92.3 points per game with an impressive 53.5% field goal efficiency. This victory also set a new program record for wins in a single season. Bowling Green, with a season record of 16-11 (7-7 in conference play), previously lost to Miami 93-83 on December 30, despite a strong second-half rally. The Falcons' performance against Kent State on Tuesday, a 78-71 home loss that ended their two-game winning streak, saw Javontae Campbell score 22 points and Sam Towns achieve 13 points and 11 rebounds. Bowling Green's shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, has been inconsistent, oscillating between high percentages and significant slumps. Coach Todd Simon acknowledges the team's streaky nature, observing that even prime shooting opportunities don't always yield consistent results. Sam Towns, Bowling Green's second-leading scorer and top rebounder, delivered a 24-point performance in their prior encounter with Miami, while Miami's Peter Suder, who averages 14.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in that same game. As the RedHawks embrace their unique position, Coach Steele encourages his team to cherish the moment while simultaneously blocking out external pressures, focusing intently on the game ahead.
The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks' remarkable journey this season offers compelling lessons on mental toughness and strategic consistency in sports. Their ability to remain composed and execute their game plan under intense pressure, as described by Coach Steele, is a testament to strong leadership and disciplined teamwork. In an era where sports narratives often focus on individual brilliance, Miami's success highlights the power of collective resilience. Their upcoming rematch with Bowling Green will not only be a test of their athletic prowess but also a demonstration of their psychological strength as they strive to extend their historic unbeaten run.