Mar 11, 2026 - Sports

Undefeated Miami headlines biggest MAC tourney in 25 years

A basketball player in a white Miami jersey #22 dunks the ball through a red rim and white net; his left arm is taped. The arena lights and banners are visible in the background. — Brant Byers and the Miami RedHawks are looking to make history. Photo: Dylan Buell/Getty Images

The biggest MAC men's basketball tournament in more than 25 years kicks off Thursday at Rocket Arena.

Why it matters: The Miami University RedHawks' undefeated run could land two teams from the Mid-American Conference in the men's NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999.

State of play: The MAC tourney begins with No. 1 seed Miami taking on No. 8 seed UMass at 11am. The victor will face the winner of No. 4 Toledo vs. No. 5 Bowling Green (1:30pm).

The other side of the bracket features No. 2 Akron against No. 7 Buffalo (4pm) and No. 3 Kent State vs. No. 6 Ohio (6:30pm).

The intrigue: Miami went 31-0 during the regular season and will likely earn an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament regardless of what happens over the next few days.

Should Miami lose, it would open the door for the MAC tournament winner to earn an automatic trip to the big dance as well.

Flashback: The last time that happened was in 1999, when Miami and Kent State both made the NCAA tournament.

Kent State lost in the opening round, while Miami — led by star Wally Szczerbiak — made it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen.

Rocket Arena is also hosting the women's MAC tournament, which starts Wednesday.

Miami's women's team is also a No. 1 seed.

If you go: Tickets for the men's tournament are at a premium.

Prices start at $42 for Thursday's opening round, with floor seats going for $255.

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Undefeated Miami headlines biggest MAC tourney in 25 years

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