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First Four

Miami advances with 89-79 win over SMU

By Miami University

March 19^th, 2026

RedHawks pack UD Arena

Miami University's men's basketball advanced in the NCAA Tournament with an 89-79 win in the First Four over SMU at UD Arena.

A group of athletes walks down a ramp in a stadium tunnel. On the wall are the words — The Miami men's basketball team arrives at UD Arena for its First Four NCAA Tournament game against SMU on March 18.

Miami fans packed UD Arena, with a crowd of more than 12,500 on hand to watch the RedHawks in their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2007.

Man in red-and-white striped overalls holds a signed hard hat. The hat has — Members of the Miami band prepare for the First Four game at UD Arena.

Smiling woman sits on the floor surrounded by band members in red and white striped uniforms. She wears a — Members of the Miami band prepare for the First Four game at UD Arena on March 18.

Eian Elmer led all scorers with 23 points, with Brant Byers adding 19, Luke Skaljac 17, and Almar Atlason 12.

Basketball player in white jersey shoots an NCAA basketball in a crowded arena. The jersey reads — Miami warms up before the start of its First Four game vs. SMU.

Basketball team celebrates on the court, wearing white shirts with — Miami warms up before the start of its First Four game vs. SMU at UD Arena.

No. 11 Miami advances to play No. 6 Tennessee on Friday in Philadelphia.

Basketball player celebrates a victory on the court, raising both arms with index fingers pointed up. He wears a white long-sleeved shirt with — Miami on the court prior to the start of its First Four game with SMU at UD Arena on March 18.

A crowd of Miami University fans watch a game, many wearing red and applauding. — Miami fans, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine, cheer for the RedHawks.

Four Miami basketball players sit on the bench during a game. They wear red jerseys with — The RedHawks wait for the start of their First Four game with SMU.

A Miami basketball player in a red jersey jumps with arms raised in celebration. Teammates also raise their arms, standing on a dark court with a crowd visible in the background. — Miami's Eian Elmer is introduced before the start of the First Four game on March 18.

Four basketball players in red Miami jerseys huddle together on the court. One player gestures with his hands while speaking. The players appear focused and determined. — Miami's men basketball team prepares for the start of the March 18 First Four game at UD Arena.

Basketball player dribbles the ball while being defended during a game. The player wears a red Miami jersey, and the defender wears a white jersey. A crowd is visible in the background. — Miami's Peter Suder (5) drives to the basket against SMU.

Basketball player in red Miami jersey dribbles as defender with SMU jersey guards him during a game. Crowd fills the background. — Miami's Luke Skaljac (3) drives to the basket vs. SMU on March 18.

Basketball player in red Miami jersey dribbles ball while being defended by player in white jersey. Crowd in background. — Miami's Brant Byers (22) controls the ball vs. SMU.

A couple watches a game from the stands. The woman in a red vest rests her chin on her hand, and the man in a black beanie looks intently at the game. Both wear team colors. — Miami basketball legend Ron Harper, right, watches the action at UD Arena.

At a Miami University basketball game, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine smiles in a navy suit, standing with his wife, Fran, who wears a cream jacket and pearl necklace. Both are surrounded by fans in Miami Redhawks apparel. — Miami fans, including Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Brian Niccol, CEO of Starbucks, watch the March 18 game at UD Arena.

A fan with his face and torso painted red yells at a basketball game. Another fan whispers into his ear. — Miami fans cheer on the RedHawks at UD Arena.

Basketball player in a red Miami jersey with number 11 jumps to shoot the ball. Crowd in background, — Miami's Almar Atlason controls the ball against SMU.

Basketball player in red Miami jersey dribbles ball, guarded by player in white O'Neal Jr. jersey. Crowd watches from the stands. — Miami played SMU on March 18 at UD Arena.

Basketball player in red Miami jersey shoots a basketball while defended by a player in a white jersey. The game takes place in a stadium with a large crowd. — Miami's Trey Perry shoots against SMU.

Basketball team — The Miami men's basketball team reacts on March 18 at UD Arena.

Basketball players in red and white uniforms shake hands after a game. The player in the white long-sleeved shirt yells, — Eian Elmer is congratulated during the March 18 game at UD Arena.

Basketball coach pumps his fist and yells from the sideline, holding papers. He wears a gray jacket with — Miami Men's Basketball Coach Travis Steele reacts during the March 18 game at UD Arena.

Basketball player with ball faces defender during a game. The player in white and blue prepares to shoot, while the player in red jumps to block. Crowd visible in background. — Peter Suder (5) defends against SMU.

Basketball hangs over the hoop as a crowd of shirtless swimmers cheers with arms raised. The crowd is in the background, with the basketball hoop in the foreground. — The Miami swimming and diving team tries to distract an SMU shooter.

Basketball players compete during a game. A player wearing a white jersey with — Miami's Antwone Woolfolk (13) defends against SMU.

Fans cheer at a basketball game. Two women in the foreground wear Miami University apparel, one in a red t-shirt with — Miami fans react during Wednesday's game at UD Arena.

Basketball player in red Miami jersey #11 shoots ball over defender in white SMU jersey #24 during game. Crowd fills background. — Miami's Almar Atlason drives to the basket against SMU.

A crowd of basketball fans cheer during a game. Many wear red and raise their arms in excitement. A man in the foreground wears a black t-shirt with — Miami basketball legend Ron Harper, center, leads the crowd in cheering on the RedHawks.

Basketball player in red Miami jersey smiles, gesturing with his hands on the court. Crowd visible in background. — Miami's Peter Suder reacts during Wednesday's game.

Basketball player in red Miami jersey celebrates during a March Madness game. He points with intensity, other players and fans in background. — MIami's Eian Elmer (0) reacts during Wednesday's game.

Basketball player in red Miami jersey blows a kiss to cheering crowd. Fans behind him raise hands in celebration. — Miami's Eian Elmer celebrates Wednesday.

Miami basketball players celebrate, laughing with hands raised, wearing red jerseys in a crowded stadium. — The Miami basketball team celebrates at UD Arena.

Miami basketball player high-fives teammate after a game. Both wear red jerseys, one with — Miami celebrates its First Four victory over SMU.

Miami RedHawks players celebrate their — Miami Men's Basketball Coach Travis Steele is surrounded by his team following the RedHawks' victory at UD Arena over SMU.

Footnotes

Photos by Scott Kissell of University Communications and Marketing

FootNotes

Photos by Scott Kissell of University Communications and Marketing

© 2026 Miami University

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