The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks are the most polarizing team in the Field of 68. After an unblemished 31-0 record through a “Charmin soft” schedule, the RedHawks came up short in the MAC tournament.
That loss sparked the biggest debate heading into Selection Sunday: Does Miami (Ohio) deserve an at-large bid?
My SMU vs. Miami (Ohio) predictions believe the RedHawks are deserving of a spot in the Big Dance, and my March Madness picks go all in on the underdogs.
SMU vs Miami (OH) prediction
Who will win SMU vs Miami (OH)?
For as much fuss as the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks stirred up on Selection Sunday, the SMU Mustangs' spot in the Field of 68 is just as debatable.
Southern Methodist has been bad in recent weeks (one win in the past six games), but made the cut based on its strength of schedule and a couple of marquee wins from two months ago. The RedHawks are a winning basketball team with something to prove.
SMU vs Miami (OH) best bet: Miami (Ohio) Moneyline (+215)
Miami (Ohio) is a winning basketball team, and despite not having a stellar SOS, it took everyone’s best during MAC competition — especially in those final few games of conference play.
Much like how those foes were incentivized to end the RedHawks’ streak, Travis Steele’s squad is now motivated to prove it belongs in the Big Dance. It’ll give SMU everything it’s got in Dayton, with its stellar 3-point shooting being a big factor.
Speaking of which, SMU stinks away from home. The Mustangs were 5-9 SU away from Dallas this season.
COVERS INTEL: Miami (Ohio) is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country, knocking down 9.8 3PM on 37.5% shooting (21st). SMU is poor at protecting the perimeter, allowing 9.8 triples per game — 12th most in Div-I.
SMU vs Miami (OH) same-game parlay
Peter Suder attempted only eight shots in each of the final two games for the RedHawks, putting up 13 and 10 points. However, he’s a much more active member of this offense (averaging almost 15 points), and forecasts call for 14+ points Wednesday.
Eian Elmer is one of the biggest 3-point threats on Miami (Ohio), banging home a team high in triples this season. SMU doesn’t protect the perimeter and a big game calls for big shots.
SMU vs Miami (OH) SGP
- Miami (Ohio) moneyline
- Peter Suder Over 12.5 points
- Eian Elmer Over 2.5 threes
Our Big Dance SGP: Miami (Ohio) heat check
The RedHawks are one of the best teams from beyond the arc, and there are plenty of triples to go around against a SMU defense that won’t get its heels above the 3-point arc.
SMU vs Miami (OH) SGP
- Miami (Ohio) moneyline
- Eian Elmer Over 2.5 threes
- Brant Beyers Over threes
- Peter Suder Over threes
SMU vs Miami (OH) odds
- Spread: SMU -7 | Miami (OH) +7
- Moneyline: SMU -300 | Miami (OH) +215
- Over/Under: Over 164 | Under 164
SMU vs Miami (OH) betting trend to know
The Mustangs are 8-12 ATS as favorites this season. Find more college basketball betting trends for SMU vs. Miami (OH).
How to watch SMU vs Miami (OH)
| Location | UD Arena, Dayton, OH |
| Date | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | truTV |
SMU vs Miami (OH) key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
